Weather

Heat, humidity bring afternoon storms

The heat and humidity combined for thunderstorms across central North Carolina on Monday afternoon.

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RALEIGH, N.C. — The heat and humidity combined for thunderstorms across central North Carolina on Monday afternoon.

The biggest threat from these slow-moving storms is strong wind gusts and cloud-to-ground lightning, WRAL Chief Meteorologist Greg Fishel said. 

Viewers reported storm damage on Weymouth Street in Durham, where the roof from an apartment complex landed on several nearby cars.

The work week started with a muggy morning Monday as humidity levels topped 80 percent before 8 a.m. Highs are expected to reach the upper 90s on Monday afternoon. 

Sunday marked the fifth day in a row with 100-degree temperatures at Raleigh Durham International Airport, setting an all-time record. The previous record streak of triple-digit days was four, set in 1983 and matched in 2008.

The high temperature in Raleigh hit 101 degrees Sunday, also beating a record for the date, which was set last year at 100 degrees.

The heat churned up severe thunderstorms in central North Carolina Sunday afternoon and evening, bringing heavy rainfall, strong winds and lightning.

The heavy rainfall caused some localized flooding in Chatham and Wake counties. A storm in Sampson County wasn't considered severe, but it did produce dime-sized hail.

By the start of next weekend, temperatures will likely be flirting with 100 degrees again.

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