Raleigh woke up to mostly clear skies Friday morning, July 10, with temperatures in the mid 70s and thick, sticky humidity already in place. The heat will ramp up fast, with an afternoon high near 98°F and heat index values expected to climb into the low 100s by mid afternoon. By lunchtime, it could be downright dangerous to be outside for long, especially for infants, older adults, and anyone without reliable air conditioning.
Heat Advisory For Southern Counties
According to NWS Raleigh, a Heat Advisory is in effect Friday, July 10, from 11 AM to 8 PM for Scotland, Hoke, Cumberland, and Sampson counties. Forecasters say peak heat index readings could top 105°F in parts of the southern Coastal Plain and Sandhills, while the Triangle still bakes with feels-like temperatures in the low 100s.
Storm Chances This Weekend
There is a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms Friday night, mainly between about 8 PM and 1 AM, with coverage on the rise Saturday afternoon and Sunday as a front moves in. A few stronger storms could bring brief heavy downpours and gusty winds, but forecasters expect storms to move along quickly enough to limit widespread flooding problems.
Where To Cool Off
Wake County and the City of Raleigh list cooling stations, libraries, and community centers that open during periods of extreme heat. Check those pages for specific locations and hours before you head out. If you do not have reliable air conditioning, plan to spend part of the day at a cooling center or another air conditioned public place, and bring water. Heat stroke is a medical emergency, so call 911 right away if someone shows signs of serious heat illness.
Plan For The Day
Morning errands and commutes should be in decent shape under mostly clear skies, but try to shift heavy outdoor work to early morning or later in the evening and build in plenty of breaks during the hottest part of the day. Keep one eye on the sky and the radar; a quick-hitting storm can still whip up gusty winds and cause brief travel delays.
