First Alert Day: Strong storms, heat wave ahead

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- It's a First Alert Day with a Level 2 risk for severe storms this afternoon and evening. The big thing to watch will be strong, straightline winds. Not everyone gets rain, but the spots that do will deal with gusty winds and a quick burst of heavy rain.

It's going to feel like classic late-June heat - low 90s, and with the humidity, feels-like temps pushing 100.

Tomorrow brings another First Alert Day, this time a Level 1 risk for lateday scattered storms across central North Carolina. Same story: damaging straightline winds are the main concern.

Monday looks quieter with just an isolated storm and nearnormal highs. After that, get ready - a brutal heat wave builds in midweek and sticks around through the holiday weekend. Thursday and Friday could challenge record highs at RDU, which is saying something for July. And with feelslike temps near 110 for three straight days, we'll likely see Extreme Heat Warnings from the National Weather Service.

As for the Fourth of July, it's shaping up to be over 100, with just a small chance of a lateday storm.

Have a great day,
Steve Stewart