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A few communities won the “rain lottery,” while most of central North Carolina was left dealing with oppressive heat and humidity on Thursday.
Read more Streak of 90-degree days builds in central NC
The heat, however, will be the main story once again. Heat index values climbed to 104 degrees at RDU on Thursday afternoon, and similar conditions are expected Friday. Another Heat Advisory has been issued as “feels-like” temperatures approach 105 degrees.
Anyone spending extended periods outdoors should drink plenty of water, take frequent breaks in air-conditioned spaces, and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can develop quickly, and by the time symptoms become noticeable, dehydration may already be setting in.
A slight risk is now in place for damaging wind gusts with storms on Friday. Storms will be spotty in coverage, but with high heat and available energy. Storms can produce winds up to 60 mph along with small hail and frequent lightning.
A boundary sinking south on Friday will provide the best opportunity for a few afternoon showers and thunderstorms, with rain chances around 30 percent. By Saturday, storm development will rely heavily on outflow influences, making any rainfall even more random and isolated. If your neighborhood picks up rain, consider yourself lucky.
The good news is that temperatures should become more manageable next week, with highs closer to 90 degrees instead of the upper 90s and triple digits seen this week.
Read more Near-record heat continues through the weekend in central NC
FORECAST
FRIDAY will be partly cloudy with spotty storms. The high will be 99 with a heat index of 106. Winds will be 10 miles per hour out of the west.
OVERNIGHT will be partly cloudy; a shower or storm is possible. The low will be 74. Winds will be 5 miles per hour out of the west.
SATURDAY will be partly cloudy with spotty storms. The high will be 94 with a heat index of 99. Winds will be 5 miles per hour out of the northeast.
Follow the CBS 17 Storm Team on socials for the latest weather updates:
Chief Meteorologist Wes Hohenstein: Facebook | X | Instagram
Morning Meteorologist Rachel Duensing: Facebook | X | Instagram
Meteorologist Ross Whitley: Facebook | X | Instagram
Meteorologist Matthew Huddleston: Facebook | X | Instagram
This forecast was prepared by the CBS 17 Storm Team and is based on the latest information available and years of weather forecasting experience in North Carolina. It was not produced by a computer like many forecasts you find on the web, social media and smart phone apps.
Read more Triple-digit heat gives way to storm chances and a slight cooldown in central NC