Saturday's heat reaches record

Bright sun, few winds and relatively dry air have pushed the mercury to levels almost 20 degrees greater than the average for late April.

“We are going to be close to record highs. This time of year that is oddly warm,” WRAL meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner said. Saturday's forecast high was 92, equal to the record set in 1960 for April 25.

"We haven't reached the record yet," WRAL meteorologist Mike Maze said at 4:30 p.m. Within an hour, the weather proved him wrong, reaching 92 at Raleigh-Durham International Airport.

Maze was not surprised. He pointed out that Friday's high was not recorded until after 5 p.m. either.

There is a chance for isolated, afternoon thunderstorms on Sunday, but the greatest weather threat is probably the temptation to enjoy the sudden summer-like conditions too much.

If you plan to spend any extended time outside, stay hydrated, limit sun exposure and take plenty of rest breaks. Make sure pets have a cool place to be and have enough water.

Overnight, temperatures will only cool into the low 60s. "Sunday and Monday may be a little hotter," Maze said. The sun, heat and humidity are still in the forecast. The temperatures on both days could rival record highs, he said.

Tuesday will see a slight cool down – into the 80s, but unseasonable warmth remains throughout the next week. The chance of rain returns on Wednesday.