Near-record highs expected as heatwave grips Central NC

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- First Alert-Dangerous Heat: Dangerous heat is expected today and through the weekend, with better chances for scattered storms this weekend.

First Alert-Wildfire Smoke: Smoke from Canadian wildfires will lead to hazy skies and potential air quality issues Friday and this weekend.

Good Thursday morning! The fourth heat wave of 2026 is forecast to begin today and continue through Saturday. With a high of 93 degrees yesterday at RDU, our heat wave did not begin (temps must be at 95+).

Out-the-door temps are in the 60s and 70s. Expect near-record high temperatures around 100 today and Friday, with feels-like temps of 100 to 110 degrees. Anyone with outdoor work or plans should take precautions. A stray shower/storm will be possible Friday.

We will remain on the southern edge of the Canadian wildfire smoke today, with a band of thicker smoke moving south into New York and Pennsylvania. There could still be some smoke around tomorrow, with some of our models signaling greater smoke impacts and potential air quality impacts in NC.

The ridge begins to weaken this weekend, allowing for a cold front to move into the region. This'll bring an increased chance for thunderstorms this weekend into early next week. Severe potential could be possible given shear and instability. We'll monitor.

Beyond the weekend, we will be watching the potential for tropical development in the northeastern Gulf or along the Southeast coast. This could have implications for the forecast by the middle of next week. For now, we continue to include thunderstorm chances through the first half of next week.

Tropics:
1. Eastern Tropical Atlantic:
Showers and thunderstorms associated with a tropical wave located southeast of the Cabo Verde Islands remain disorganized. Some slow development is possible during the next couple of days while the system moves generally west-northwestward at about 10 mph. By this weekend, the system is forecast to move into a less conducive
environment, and further development is not expected.
* Formation chance through 48 hours...low...10 percent.
* Formation chance through 7 days...low...10 percent.

2. Northeastern Gulf and Offshore of the Southeastern U.S.:
An area of low pressure is forecast to form this weekend over the northeastern Gulf. Some gradual development of this system is possible while it moves slowly northeastward over the northeastern Gulf and near the coast of the southeastern United States early next week.
* Formation chance through 48 hours...low...near 0 percent.
* Formation chance through 7 days...low...20 percent.

Have a great day!
Kweilyn