One more chance for storms before temperatures cool, humidity clears

Cooler days are on the way after another blast of summer thunderstorms. After a relatively dry Tuesday morning, the chance for precipitation climbs back to greater than 50 percent.

"While much of the day should be dry, we can't entirely rule out a shower or storm popping up at any time. Those that form later in the day will have a small chance to turn strong or severe," WRAL meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner said.

Central North Carolina is under a level 1 risk for severe weather starting late Tuesday afternoon, and Gardner said damaging winds, heavy rain and flooding are possible even into the overnight hours.

Moisture in the air accompanied by temperatures in the mid-80s made for a muggy morning Tuesday. By noon, dew points in Raleigh and Fayetteville were in the mid-70s.

"The heat index is up there because of the very tropical-feeling air we have in our atmosphere," Gardner said.

A front that swings across the Carolinas on Wednesday will change conditions dramatically.

Highs will be in the mid- to upper 80s through Wednesday before dropping into the low 80s for Thursday and Friday. Overnight lows will even dip into the 60s before warmer weather returns for the weekend.