Raleigh starts Thursday with clear skies, calm winds and temperatures in the mid-70s, but that comfortable opening will not last. The city is headed for a high near 100 degrees, with a heat index that could reach 108 as humidity builds.
Heat Advisory Covers The Afternoon
The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Southwest winds of 3 to 7 mph will do little to offset the heat, and tonight’s low near 76 will offer limited relief, with heat index values still potentially reaching 103.
Friday is expected to look much the same: sunny, near 100 degrees, with a southwest wind around 8 mph and heat index values as high as 109. The weather service says another Heat Advisory will likely be needed, making midday outdoor work, exercise and errands especially risky.
Storms Arrive This Weekend
Saturday should be the final hot day of the stretch, with a high near 98 and a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Storm chances rise Saturday night, when thunderstorms are likely at times and rainfall could total a quarter- to half-inch.
Some storms could produce strong wind gusts or damaging downbursts, according to the forecast discussion, so outdoor plans may need a backup. Sunday brings a noticeable reset: partly sunny, a high near 85 and a 30% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms.
Cooler For Labor Day
Labor Day looks mostly sunny with a high near 85, followed by a mostly clear night near 65. Temperatures then rebound modestly to 88 Tuesday and 91 Wednesday, while rain chances remain low.
Heat Safety Comes First
Residents should drink plenty of fluids, take breaks in air conditioning and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day. Raleigh’s heat guidance also urges people to check on older neighbors, children and anyone without reliable air conditioning; the city’s heat-safety page lists additional precautions.
