Raleigh, N.C. — Tornado watches and warnings popped up to the west Tuesday night, and WRAL meteorologists said a storm system could bring strong storms north of the Triangle overnight. 

"It's been a busy night to the north near the Virginia border," WRAL meteorologist Mike Maze said. 

Throughout Tuesday afternoon, near record-high temperatures and thunderstorms moved through central North Carolina, unleashing pea-sized hail and gusty winds on some northern counties.

Severe thunderstorms passed through Granville, Warren and Halifax counties and severe thunderstorm watches covered much of the area throughout the afternoon. They were canceled shortly before 4 p.m.

"With the heat comes the possibility of strong thunderstorms," said WRAL Chief Meteorologist Greg Fishel.

The record-high temperature set on this date at Raleigh-Durham International Airport was 95 degrees in 1944. Temperatures reached well into the 90s Tuesday, but did not reach 95 degrees in the Triangle.

The high in Fayetteville, however, was 97 degrees.

The heat is here to stay this work week as another record could be broken Wednesday. The May 25 record high at RDU was 93 degrees in 2004.

"We have two more days to break old record highs, so make sure you keep cool and don't push yourself if you are playing or working outside in the coming days," said WRAL meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner.

The Triangle also has the possibility of seeing scattered thunderstorms Wednesday evening. 

Thursday will be partly to mostly sunny and hot with a high of 95 degrees. The heat will back off slightly on Friday with a high of 92 degrees. Saturday and Sunday will be 87 degrees and partly cloudy with the chance of showers or storms.