Raleigh, N.C. — Sweltering temperatures blanketed the state Monday, as temperatures reached into the upper 90s and topped 100 degrees in many places.

A high of 100 was recorded at Raleigh-Durham International Airport Monday afternoon, marking the third straight day temperatures hit triple digits.

Monday's high temperature also marked the fourth straight record high at RDU, and WRAL Chief Meteorologist Greg Fishel said a fifth straight record was possible Tuesday. The record high for June 10 is 97.

The heat is partly to blame for a massive fish kill down east, officials said.

More than 160,000 spot and croaker died in the Neuse River south of New Bern over the weekend. A rapid response team form the state Department of Environment and Natural Resources attributed the fish killed to high water temperatures and low oxygen levels.

Water temperatures in the area were around 90 degrees early Sunday, officials said.

The heat should gradually subside through the work week, with highs in the 80s by Thursday, Fishel said. A front should cross North Carolina Wednesday, bringing winds from the northeast, he said.

"(It's) nothing that's going to blow your socks off, but it's at least better than what we've had," Fishel said.

Tuesday will be partly cloudy, hot and humid, with an isolated late day shower or storm possible. Highs will be in the upper 90s to low 100s.

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday will also be partly cloudy with isolated showers possible.

The hot, stagnant weather prompted the state Division of Air Quality to issue a Code Orange health notice for poor air quality around Charlotte, Greensboro and Raleigh on Monday. Charlotte remains under a Code Orange alert on Tuesday.

Highs were in the upper 90s across the eastern half of North Carolina on Saturday, and the Raleigh-Durham International Airport reached 100 degrees to set a record for the date.

The state departments of Health and of Crime Control and Public Safety suggest these tips for keeping cool: 

• Do not leave children or animals in a parked car, even for just a few minutes.
• Drink plenty of fluids, preferably water, especially if you must spend time outside.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
• Use sunscreen, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat to protect yourself from sunburn.
• Stay indoors in air-conditioning if possible.
• Take a cool shower or bath.
• Avoid cooking with the stove and oven.