The hottest weekend of 2019 so far is here

The Triangle is in for the hottest weekend of the year so far.

Posted 9:11 a.m. May 17, 2019 — Updated 4:17 p.m. May 17, 2019

Elizabeth Gardner

, WRAL meteorologist

RALEIGH, N.C. — The Triangle is in for the hottest weekend of the year so far.

According to WRAL meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner, while Friday will be toasty, Saturday and Sunday will be hotter, with highs in the 90s. "This is going to be our hottest weekend of the year [so far], so take it easy," Gardner said, reminding people to drink plenty of water and seek shade when spending time outdoors.

On Friday, highs will be in the upper 80, and there will be a mix of sun and clouds. Some rain or storms could move in mid-afternoon, but severe weather is not expected, and outdoor plans shouldn't be at risk.

Lows will only reach the upper 60s in Raleigh overnight before temperatures soar for Saturday, which is expected to be the hottest day of the year so far.

Saturday's high is forecast at 91 degrees -- not quite beating the 95-degree record, but coming close. Heat indexes could be in the mid-90s, making it feel even hotter.

The hot weather conicides with the opening of many Triangle-area pools as well as more than a dozen outdoor events and festivals like Got to Be NC, Artsplosure and Spring Fling in Raleigh and Summer Fest, Bloom Fest in Chapel Hill and the Blues and Brews Festival in Durham.

Weekend best bets: Got to Be NC, Artsplosure

Sunday will be equally hot, with a high around 90 degrees. Both Saturday and Sunday will feature clear skies, so rain is not likely to provide relief from the heat.

Temperatures won't fall much for next week, either, with highs in the upper 80s expected Monday and 90s expected for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.