Heat advisory in effect east of Raleigh as temperatures soar

The heat continued Saturday with temperatures in the mid-90s on Saturday. It will be more of the same on Sunday.

Posted 12:06 p.m. Jul 13, 2019 — Updated 5:29 p.m. Jul 14, 2019

Peta Sheerwood

and

Kat Campbell, WRAL meteorologists

RALEIGH, N.C. — A heat advisory is in effect for counties east of the Triangle until 7 p.m. on Sunday as heat indexes climb toward the triple digits across the central North Carolina.

Temperatures were mild overnight and early Sunday morning, but don't let that fool you, said WRAL meteorologist Peta Sheerwood. Temperatures climbed rapidly, into the 80s by 9 a.m. and the 90s by noon.

"Sweltering heat will build in," Sheerwood said. "Keep your water bottle handy!"

Raleigh Temperature Tracker

Storms are not expected to be an issue Sunday afternoon. Although skies will be cloudy at times, the day should stay dry.

A heat advisory expires at 7 p.m. for Cumberland, Edgecombe, Halifax, Johnston, Nash, Sampson, Wayne and Wilson counties, where heat index values are expected to rise between 102 and 107 degrees.

In the Triangle, heat indexes will top out around 99 or 100 degrees. With a dew point in the 70s expected across the viewing area, the humidity will feel oppressive, and the air will be thick and muggy.

Heat health tips

In the Triangle, it won't be quite as hot as it is to our east, but with a high around 97 degrees, it will be important to seek shade and drink plenty of water when venturing outdoors. People east of the Triangle need to be especially careful in the heat -- checking on senior citizens, pets and children and keeping in mind the signs of heat exhaustion or heatstroke.

Monday will mimic Sunday, with highs in the mid 90s and storms unlikely.

"We'll stay in the low to mid-90s all throughout the week," Campbell said. "Our normal high this time of year is 90 degrees. After all, it is July in North Carolina."

Sunday's high will be around 96 with Monday hovering around 95.