Threat for severe weather over, hot weekend ahead

By Elizabeth Gardner, WRAL meteorologist

The Level 1 risk for severe storms is now over, as of 10 p.m. Friday, but light rain continues to move through the Triangle.

Rain is still possible this weekend. There will be a 40% chance Saturday and a 30% chance Sunday.

Those showers will not bring cooler weather for the weekend. WRAL meteorologist Mike Maze says

Stay up to date with all of WRAL’s weather alerts here.

That doesn’t necessarily mean we cool down, though. The heat index, a combination of temperature and humidity that describes how it really feels, will be between 101 and 104 degrees on each of the next four days.

While each day of the weekend could feature afternoon storms and rain, it won’t be a washout, people planning outdoor activities should be prepared for isolated storms.

We can use the rain. Through July 15, Raleigh-Durham International Airport had only measured .82 inches of rain. That is 1.34 inches below normal.

For those hot days we will experience, it is a good idea to limit outdoor activities, including exercise, to morning and nighttime hours. Children and pets should never be left in cars and should have access to shade and water when outside. Check on older neighbors and people who may be in danger of heat exhaustion.