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Extreme heat returns to the forecast to start July with multiple days reaching at least 100 degrees, but before the extreme heat, strong and severe storms are possible this weekend.
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Right now, Saturday has the best chance for stronger storms. The heat and increasing humidity will create an environment where storms are capable of producing damaging wind gusts and isolated downbursts, prompting a slight risk (Level 2 of 5) for severe weather across the area, mainly during the late afternoon and early evening.
Any storm that develops could also bring heavy downpours, frequent lightning, and gusty winds. While summertime storms are common this time of year, this threat looks to be higher than that of our garden-variety storms, so pay attention to the forecast, especially if you have outdoor plans. Our more typical summertime storms are expected Sunday afternoon.
After this weekend, our rain chances go down, and our temperatures go way up. A strong ridge of high pressure will center over the Mississippi and Ohio River Valleys. This will create a large dome of very hot temperatures that will extend as far east as North Carolina, allowing our temperatures to soar to dangerous heights. High temperatures will reach at least 100 degrees for multiple days in a row, including the Fourth of July. As you plan for your holiday weekend, have ways to stay hydrated, stay cool and safe, as many will be outside. Eventually, storms will develop, mainly on Friday and Saturday of next week.
FORECAST
OVERNIGHT will become mostly clear. The low will be 73. Winds will be out of the south at 5 to 10 miles per hour.
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SATURDAY will be partly cloudy with strong, gusty storms. The high will be 94. Winds will be southwest at 10 miles per hour.
SUNDAY will be partly cloudy with isolated storms. The high will be 93. Winds will be west at 10 miles per hour.
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.
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