Scorching temperatures Thursday, heat advisory issued

Thursday will be hot and humid, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a heat advisory for the eastern half of the ABC11 viewing area today.

We've seen typical heat and humidity the last few days and we have had a scattering of late-day thunderstorms as well, but ABC11 Meteorologist Don "Big Weather" Schwenneker says the scorching temperatures has us on pace to crush the past two years for 90 degree-plus days.

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"The heat will ramp up today," he said. "A southwest wind will allow temperatures to skyrocket into the mid to upper 90s; the record high is 101 degree Fahrenheit set in 1954 in Raleigh. The Heat Index could go 100-103 this afternoon."

Schwenneker adds that there won't be many thunderstorms around today, but a stray one cannot be ruled out.

The weather Friday evening, and into the weekend, appears to be different. A front will come into the area and while it's still hot Friday, in the low to mid 90s, it won't be as hot as Thursday.

Also, with the front arriving, there is a much better chance for an afternoon and evening thunderstorm or two. We are in a marginal risk for severe weather, according to the SPC.

That front will then stall in the Carolinas over the weekend.

Although it will be weak, it will be a focal point allowing for a couple of showers and thunderstorms each day. Because of more clouds, and the cooling rain storms, high temperatures will mostly be in the upper 80s.

This weekend will not be a washout, with a lot of the time dry, but there will be at least some rain both days.