Rain unlikely to wash out July 4th celebrations

In fact, any evening sprinkle or showers could provide some relief from the lingering, sticky humidity that will take over the Triangle this week.

After the heat index climbed to 103 degrees in Fayetteville, storms brought some relief and the same system brings the chance of rain to the Triangle Monday evening, although Maze said models show the best chance of rain will remain to the south.

Showers should move out Monday night, and the Fourth of July will start under cloudy skis before the chance to see more rain increases during the afternoon.

"With the heating of the day tomorrow, we should start to see some showers pop," Maze said. "There may be one that crosses your path and rains out your celebration briefly."

At 6 p.m. on the holiday, there will be more dry places than wet, said WRAL meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner, and there will be less rain around 9 p.m. when most fireworks shows start. "I think we have a good shot at seeing fireworks [both days]," said Gardner. "Storms and rain will be very hit and miss."

The chance for storms and rain decreases for Wednesday and Thursday, but temperatures will remain uncomfortably warm, with highs near 90s.

"Those afternoon dew points will feel rather tropical for the next five days," Maze said.