Small storms down trees

Small but strong thunderstorms popped up Saturday afternoon as North Carolina endured another day of sweltering heat.

Downed trees were reported in Southern Pines and Angier after a storm moved through. A lightening strike also sparked a house fire in Eastwood, according to Moore County Fire Marshal Ken Skipper.

Granville and Vance counties saw a severe thunderstorm earlier in the day.

There's a small chance of isolated, severe thunderstorms through the late evening, mostly south of U.S. Highway 64. Heavy rainfall and localized flash flooding are the primary threats from any storms that do develop.

Temperatures soared to 97 degrees Saturday. Humidity made it feel even hotter with the heat index between 100 and 105 degrees.

Sunday will be even hotter, with a high around 97 degrees and an even smaller chance for rain and storms.

By mid-week, though, temperatures should start to drop back down into a more seasonable, comfortable range in the mid 80s.