Raleigh is starting Friday with clear skies and temperatures near 77 degrees, but the comfortable opening will not last. Sunshine will drive the temperature to about 99 degrees, with heat index values reaching 107 as humidity builds. It is shaping up to be another dangerous day for anyone spending extended time outdoors.
Heat Advisory Runs Through Friday Evening
The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for Raleigh and much of central North Carolina from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday. Heat index values could reach 109 degrees, while southwest winds of 5 to 8 mph are expected to offer little relief. Residents should limit strenuous afternoon activities, drink plenty of water and use air conditioning or other cool spaces when possible.
Storm Chances Rise Friday Night
Rain chances remain low during the hottest part of Friday, then increase Friday evening, with showers and thunderstorms possible between about 7 p.m. and midnight. The overnight low will stay near 74 degrees, offering limited relief from the heat. The NWS Raleigh forecast discussion says some storms could produce strong wind gusts or damaging downbursts.
Saturday will bring another high near 99 degrees, with mostly sunny skies early and a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Storms become more likely late Saturday afternoon and Saturday night, when rainfall could total between one-half and three-quarters of an inch in some areas. Outdoor plans may need a backup, especially from late afternoon through the overnight hours.
Cooler Air Arrives Sunday
A frontal passage Saturday night into Sunday will bring a noticeable change to central North Carolina. Sunday should be partly sunny with a high near 85 degrees and a chance of afternoon showers or thunderstorms, while the low falls to about 66. Labor Day looks like the easiest outdoor window, with mostly sunny skies and a high near 84.
The cooler stretch will be brief: Raleigh is forecast to reach 87 degrees Tuesday, 90 Wednesday and 97 Thursday. Rain chances remain low through much of next week, so the weekend break from triple-digit heat will help, but it will not last long.
