Raleigh woke up Thursday (July 16) already stuck in the summer soup, with temperatures in the mid 70s and dew points near 68°F making it feel like the day started inside a sauna. Forecasters say it only goes up from here, with a very hot, sunny afternoon on tap, a high near 99°F, and heat index values pushing about 104°F. In other words, this is not the afternoon to tackle your first rooftop workout of the year. Try to avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the peak heat of the day.
Hot Today, Even Hotter Friday
Meteorologists at the National Weather Service in Raleigh expect highs in the upper 90s today, with temperatures near 100°F possible on Friday, July 17. Heat index values could top 105°F in spots, and Heat Advisories are likely for parts of central and eastern North Carolina. The office is also calling for only a low chance of storms late Friday, so most of the region will bake under prolonged afternoon heat without much in the way of cooling showers.
Sticky Nights, Stormier Weekend
Overnight will not offer much of a break. Lows are forecast around 77°F tonight, with similarly muggy conditions into Friday night. The pattern turns more unsettled Saturday into Sunday as moisture increases and a slow coastal disturbance moves in. That setup brings a chance of showers and thunderstorms, with locally heavy rain possible east of US 1.
How To Handle The Heat
If you have to be outside, try to schedule work and exercise for early morning or evening, drink plenty of water, and keep an eye on neighbors, older adults, and pets. The city and county maintain cooling options and guidance for dangerous heat. You can find locations and resources through the City of Raleigh.
Bottom line: the worst of the heat hits Thursday and Friday with little overnight relief, followed by a stormier and potentially wetter weekend. Check local forecasts before you head out and stay weather aware.
