New weather records set as sweltering heat blankets central NC

According to the National Weather Service, the mercury topped out at 94 degrees in Raleigh, tying a record that was first set back in 1933 and only reached again in the early 1950s.

New records were also set on Sunday in Fayetteville, which logged 100 degrees.

Wilmington also notched a high temperature of 100 degrees, a new benchmark for the city because it has never logged a triple digit temperature this early in the season, WRAL meteorologist Kat Campbell said.

"It is sizzling hot," she said. "People should definitely take it easy outside."

Even before the mercury officially reached those new benchmarks, the heat index had already reached new levels of misery.

"Make sure you find some shade and drink plenty of water if you plan on spending time outside," WRAL meteorologist Peta Sheerwood said early Sunday morning.

The hot weather is the result of a high-pressure system that has parked itself over the southeastern United States, and keeping cooler weather away.

For those looking to beat the heat by going to the North Carolina coast, the rip current risk is high along much of the North Carolina coastline, according to the National Weather Service.

The weather agency said swimmers going into the water along all North Carolina beaches from Duck to North Topsail should be especially careful for rough surf.

Scattered showers are possible this weekend, although any storms that pop up will be weak. The heat will crank up to 94 degrees Sunday and Monday, so people going outside during the weekend should bring plenty of water and sun protection, Sheerwood said.

The humidity will bump up the heat index, so Raleigh could feel like 98 degrees and Fayetteville could feel like 101 degrees Sunday.

On Friday, Fayetteville tied the record high for the day of 99 degrees set back in 1938.

Temperatures are expected to increase to 95 degrees on Tuesday and 96 degrees on Wednesday.