Severe weather risk and heat warnings today, some could feel like 110 degrees

By Elizabeth Gardner, WRAL meteorologist

Raleigh, N.C. — Temperatures this week will be some of the hottest we’ll experience this year, according to WRAL meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner.

Normally overnight temperatures provide some relief, but at 4 a.m. on Monday, it was already 80 degrees in Raleigh.

Several counties east and south of Wake, including Cumberland, Edgecombe, Halifax, Harnett, Hoke, Johnston, Nash, Sampson, Scotland, Wayne and Wilson, are under an excessive heat warning until 9 a.m., which means it could feel as hot as 110 degrees.

It will be unbearably hot in the Triangle too. Temperatures will rise into the mid 90s, and the heat index will be in the triple digits. A heat advisory will again be in effect Monday for all of central North Carolina.

Gardner said the uncomfortably hot weather will continue all week, with heat advisories likely each day. Even if high temperatures fall to the lower 90s later this week, the heat index will make it feel much warmer than it is.

What that means? Try your best to stay cool. Monday’s heat and humidity could likely cause heat-related illness. The heat is above-normal for this time of the year in central North Carolina. Between 105 and 130 degrees, sunstroke, heat cramps or heat exhaustion are likely, and heatstroke is possible with prolonged exposure or physical activity.

Here are some general heat safety tips:

• Slow down. Reduce, eliminate or reschedule strenuous activity.
• Dress for summer. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing that reflects heat.
• Put less fuel on your inner fires. Foods, including proteins, that increase metabolic heat production also increase water loss.
• Drink plenty of water or non-alcoholic fluids, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
• Spend more time in air-conditioned places.
• Don’t get too much sun.

Monday afternoon thunderstorms

Later Monday afternoon, there will be a level 1 risk for severe storms. Damaging winds and small hail are possible.

Thunderstorms will begin popping up by 2 p.m. Strong storms would likely come through between 5 and 6 p.m.

“Unfortunately the rain doesn’t get here in time to protect us from the heat,” Gardner said.

Afternoon storms will be likely for much of the week, but the real story will be the dangerous heat.