Following hot day across NC, storms cause damage south of Fayetteville

The record high temperature set in 1895 for Raleigh was 95 degrees on this day, and we've already hit 96 degrees and the mercury could rise even higher, according to WRAL meteorologist Kat Campbell and the National Weather Service.

Fayetteville also set a new heat benchmark Thursday, shattering its decades-old of 97 by hitting a high temperature of 100 degrees.

While some storms and showers were not widespread on Thursday night, a few strong storms did knock down trees and cause damage to areas south of Fayetteville.

At least one building on Fort Bragg also suffered damage from the storm, officials said.

According to the National Weather Service, a microburst may be to blame for the damage.

Severe weather will be more likely midday Friday, and wind damage will be biggest threat, Campbell said, adding that small hail and heavy rain are also possible.

There’s a 30 percent chance for rain Friday and throughout the weekend, when high temperatures will drop down to the upper 80s for Saturday.

Sunday will really start to feel milder, with a high in the mid 80s.

Monday’s high is expected to be 84 degrees, much closer to normal than the string of heat the Triangle has had, Gardner said.