Likelihood of rain only slight through Thursday night

Although the Storm Prediction Center put much of central North Carolina under a Level 1 risk for severe storms Thursday, the chance for storms is only about 30%.

"The likelihood of even seeing rain is not that good," WRAL meteorologist Mike Maze said. "The chance is just very slight."

Any storms that do pop up could bring periods of heavy rain, especially in areas north and west of the Triangle. Flash flooding is unlikely. Places that get drenched with heavy rain will still only see half an inch of rain, Maze said.

Friday and the weekend will be hot, but less humid and more pleasant.

"We have a cold front passing the area that will bring drier air overnight and for the day tomorrow," Maze said.

Dew points are anticipated to drop into the mid 50s Friday, with a high temperatures of 90 degrees under mostly clear skies.

Some clouds return for Saturday and Sunday, but the rain stays away until next week.