Chance of storms is slight Thursday night

At 4:30 p.m., the mercury had reached 96 degrees in downtown Raleigh with a heat index of 110.

A cluster of severe thunderstorm watches extends across dozens of counties towards the east through 6 p.m.

"This is being driven by a little disturbance in the upper atmosphere," Fishel said. "Once we get past 9 or 10 p.m., that should be about it."

Friday looks to be dry, sunny and hot, Fishel said, but not as hot as in recent days.

Saturday and Sunday will be cooler with temperatures in the high 80s to low 90s.