Extreme Heat Warning issued Friday through July 4th

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- The July 4 weekend Furnace remains as a strong upper-level ridge of high pressure will be in control. The center of the high is right over the Triangle this afternoon and should help temperatures eclipse the triple digits. We may tie the record of 101.

The upper-level ridge will peak in strength this afternoon, then weaken slightly and shift southeast over the weekend, but temperatures aloft will remain very warm, so the extreme heat will continue. We break the record of 101 tomorrow, and that should be the hottest afternoon of the heat wave. We will eclipse 100 again on Sunday, but the record of 106 should be out of reach. The main message over the weekend is to stay cool and hydrated, especially for those who are vulnerable and folks who have to be outside in the blazing sunshine.

Although the lee-side trough may be a nearby permanent feature through the weekend, an isolated pop-up thundershower is possible, but high heights aloft will lower the chance. We are still looking at dry conditions for fireworks tomorrow evening. There could be a slim chance of a pop-up thunderstorm on Sunday, but much of the area and time through the weekend will be rain-free for outdoor plans.

By Monday, the upper ridge will be offshore, and an upper trough, currently over the western states, will slide east across the Ohio Valley, providing a WSW flow aloft, but a little more instability for an afternoon or evening thunderstorm in the Triangle. Extreme heat continues for one more day with triple digits.

By Tuesday, the upper trough and a weak surface low will slide by to the north and northeast, and a weak cool front will move in from the north. Heights will fall enough to bring a decent chance of showers and thunderstorms, but it will remain very warm, with highs in the mid-90s.

Have a great evening!

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