First Alert Day: Scattered storms late Monday in central NC; heat, humidity to ease midweek

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Rain chances continue into the week after some weekend storms.

On Monday, scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms developed with a cold front in the afternoon and through the evening. Gusty winds and locally heavy rain were the main concerns.

High temperatures reached the mid-90s in the Triangle, with the heat index surpassing 105. A Heat Advisory was in place for much of central North Carolina.

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Tuesday will be cooler and less humid, with highs in the mid/upper 80s and a mix of clouds and sun. Areas south of the Triangle could start the day with a few showers, but drier weather returns for the afternoon.

Escape the heat

Cooling stations in Wake County will be open through at least Monday, July 21 to help people escape the heat. Sites normally open to the public, such as EMS stations, fire stations, and county fleet maintenance buildings, will not be available as cooling stations.

Here is the schedule:

Wake County Public Libraries
Closing times vary for each library. Make sure to check online or call your local library.

Regional Centers and Health and Human Services Centers
These centers will not be open during the weekend, but will be open on Monday, July 21 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.

• Wake County Health & Human Services, 220 Swinburne St., Raleigh
• Wake County Health & Human Services Center at Departure, 5809 Departure Drive, Raleigh
• Eastern Regional Center, 1002 Dogwood Drive, Zebulon
• Northern Regional Center, 350 E. Holding Ave., Wake Forest
• Southern Regional Center, 130 N. Judd Parkway NE, Fuquay-Varina
• Western Regional Center, 111 James Jackson Ave., Cary

"Temperatures this high can be dangerous for anyone," said Darshan Patel, operations manager for Wake County Emergency Management. "It's important to find ways to keep cool during the hottest parts of the day, either by visiting a cooling station or taking a break in another air-conditioned space."