Wake, Durham and Orange counties were briefly under a severe thunderstorm warning. Around 2,000 Duke Energy customers lost power near Ferrell Road in Durham County around 8:45 p.m.
Similar conditions stick around on Friday, with heat and humidity continuing across central North Carolina. Once again, only isolated afternoon and evening thunderstorms are expected, with the greatest coverage happening closer to the coast and across western portions of the state.
By Saturday, forecast guidance continues to indicate that the Bermuda High will weaken, allowing subtle upper-level disturbances to move through the region. While this energy appears relatively weak, it will be sufficient, when combined with the persistent heat and humidity, to support scattered afternoon thunderstorms.
As the Bermuda High breaks down, the Triangle will transition into a more zonal flow pattern. Both the American and European models depict weak upper-level disturbances moving through the area on Sunday and Monday. Given the warm, humid airmass in place, even modest forcing will be enough to trigger isolated to scattered afternoon thunderstorms. As a result, rain chances will remain in the forecast for both days.
Through the middle of next week, the overall pattern doesn't change. Zonal flow persists across the region. While most locations remain dry for extended period, the combination of summer heat and elevated humidity levels will continue.
Have a great evening!
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