Raleigh is starting this Thursday, June 25, on a deceptively comfortable note, with mostly clear skies and temperatures sitting near 70°F at Raleigh-Durham International Airport. That mild start will not last long. Readings are expected to jump into the low 90s today, topping out around 91°F this afternoon with a light breeze out of the south, and that is just the opening act for a much hotter stretch that runs into early next week, when forecasters say triple-digit heat could finally land.
Heat Through The Weekend
Friday, June 26 will crank things up a notch, with highs near 95°F and a slight chance, about 20 percent, of showers and thunderstorms developing after 4 p.m. into the evening. Saturday, June 27 is on track to be the hottest day of the weekend, partly sunny with a high near 97°F and around a 40 percent chance of afternoon storms, followed by scattered showers that may linger into Saturday night at roughly a 50 percent chance. Sunday, June 28 will stay steamy with a high near 96°F and another round of afternoon thunderstorm chances.
Storms Could Be Strong Sunday
The National Weather Service notes that the strongest storms on Sunday could pack damaging wind gusts and brief heavy downpours in spots that see afternoon convection. Anyone with outdoor plans after 2 p.m. Sunday, June 28 should be prepared to duck inside quickly if gusty winds and heavy rain flare up.
Triple Digits Early Next Week
By Wednesday, July 1, forecasts call for highs near 101°F as a strong ridge keeps the heat locked in through the middle of the week. That combination of soaring temperatures and humidity will put extra strain on outdoor workers, pets, and anyone without reliable air conditioning.
Stay Cool And Know Where To Go
If you have to be outside, try to schedule activity for early morning or evening hours, drink plenty of water, and build in frequent breaks in the shade or in air-conditioned spaces. The Beat the Heat page from the City of Raleigh offers detailed heat safety guidance, and Wake County opens cooling centers during extreme heat events; check that page for current locations and hours. Keep an eye on neighbors and anyone especially vulnerable to heat, and never leave children or pets in parked cars.
