Turning warmer heading heading into the weekend

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- First Alert - Fire Risk Today: the combination of anomalously warm temperatures, low relative humidity between 25 and 30 percent, dry fuels, and southwesterly gusts of 20-25 mph will result in an increased fire danger risk over central North Carolina through this evening. The North Carolina Forest Service has issued a statewide ban on all open burning until further notice, and all burning permits have been cancelled. Residents with questions can contact their NC Forest Service county ranger or their county fire marshal's office.

First Alert-Storms Monday: Thunderstorms crossing the area Monday afternoon and evening have the potential to be strong to severe, with damaging winds.

Good morning! Expect a return to warmth today and through the weekend with high pressure sliding offshore. Some clouds will be around to start the morning, but otherwise mostly sunny skies will prevail this afternoon. Out-the-door temps are mainly in the 40s. Highs will be around 80 this afternoon.

The statewide burn ban continues today due to the southwest breeze, combined with low relative humidity and dry conditions.

Expect more clouds Saturday as a weak disturbance along the Gulf coast pushes east. The breeze will continue, but increasing dew points should help lessen the fire risk across the Triangle. Highs will climb to around 80 again Saturday.

By Sunday a more pronounced disturbance over the Plains will push east. This will lead to cloudy skies with a few spotty showers early in the day. An isolated storm may develop Sunday evening. Highs will be in the mid/upper 70s.

A strong front will arrive Monday with better rain and storm chances in the afternoon and evening. The main threats look to be locally damaging wind gusts and hail.

By Tuesday, cooler air will spread across the region, with temperatures dropping back to around 70 with more of the same Wednesday. After this, models still suggest the next chance for showers will be Thursday, with highs back into the low 80s by the end of next week.

Have a great day!
Kweilyn