Raleigh was starting Wednesday near 73°F, but the day is headed for a mostly sunny high around 94°F. The heat will intensify Thursday and Friday, when temperatures are expected to reach 98°F and nighttime lows will offer limited relief.
West winds of 2 to 7 mph should provide only a modest breeze Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service Raleigh forecast. A few isolated showers or thunderstorms could develop Wednesday afternoon or evening, but most of the city should stay dry, with rainfall amounts expected to remain light.
Thursday And Friday Bring The Worst Heat
Thursday will be mostly sunny with a high near 98°F, while the heat index could climb as high as 107°F. Friday looks nearly identical, with another 98-degree high and heat-index values potentially reaching the 105-to-110-degree range across central North Carolina.
No watches, warnings or advisories were listed for Raleigh Wednesday morning, but the heat can still be dangerous for people working or exercising outdoors. Earlier outdoor plans, frequent water breaks and access to air conditioning will matter most during the afternoon peak.
Storm Chances Stay Spotty
Thursday night brings a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2 a.m., followed by a 50% chance of storms Friday night between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. Any storm could briefly bring heavy rain, thunder and gusty winds, but the forecast does not call for a widespread washout.
Weekend Temperatures Dip Then Heat Returns
Saturday should be somewhat easier at around 91°F, with a slight chance of afternoon storms, while Sunday climbs back to about 94°F under mostly sunny skies. The heat returns Monday with a high near 99°F and a chance of afternoon thunderstorms, followed by a cooler Tuesday near 92°F with another round of possible afternoon storms.
