Wednesday Storm Pictures

Storm clouds and gusty winds in northern Wake County.

Durham storm clouds.

Lightning shot from Durham.

Storm clouds over the fairgrounds. Photo from Jim Penny.

Lightning shots over Lake Crabtree from Michelle Vassar.

Storm clouds over the Wakefield area of Wake County. Photo from Marlin Bohling.

Raleigh storm clouds. Photo taken near Capital Blvd and I-540.

Storm clouds with lightning over Morrisville.

Storm clouds over Wake Forest.

Storm clouds roll into Holly Springs.

Rain over west Raleigh. Photo from Jim Penny.

Fuquay-Varina storm clouds photo from Lewis Dadisman.

Holly Springs lightning photo from Mark Woods.

Storm clouds over northeast Raleigh. Photo from Mike Ivicic

Storm clouds over Hedingham in Raleigh.

Apex lightning photo from Carrie Fleitz.

Clayton storm clouds photo from Hannah Stallings.

Johnston County storm clouds. Photos from Jay Deming.

Storm clouds over Clayton. Photo submitted by Joe Pessolano.

Storm clouds over Pembroke. Photo submitted by James and Amanda Hunt.

Tuesday Storm Pictures

Storm clouds south of Fuquay-Varina. Photo submitted by Petra Glorie.

Storm clouds developing near Apex.

Storm clouds over western Cumberland County. Photo submitted by Shannon Lewis.

Storm clouds over western Wake County. Photo taken near I-440 and Western Blvd. Photo submitted by Jim Penny.

Storm clouds over Cumberland County. Photo taken 2 miles southeast of 401 and 295. Photo submitted by Gretchen and Shane Spradling.

Morrisville storm clouds.

Storm clouds over Cary.

Thunderstorm developing over Fayetteville.

Storm clouds developing over southern Granville County. Photos submitted by Christie Moore.

Storm clouds approaching Cary. Photo taken from Ten Ten and Kildaire Farm Roads.

Storm clouds over Hope Mills. Photo submitted by Eileen Nunez.

Storm clouds over Eagle Ridge near south Garner. Photo submitted by Eddie Rider.

Lightning lights up the sky in southern Cumberland County Tuesday evening.

Storm clouds over Fayetteville near Raeford and Cliffdale Roads. Photos submitted by Angel Shaffer.

Storm clouds over Holly Springs.

Storm clouds over Seven Lakes.

Tuesday evening storm clouds over northwestern Johnston County. Photo submitted by Reilly.

Weekend Storm Photos

Lightning over Lake Crabtree Saturday night. Photo from Michelle Vassar.

Apex storm clouds on Sunday. Photo submitted by Shawn Creek.

Garner storm clouds near Highway 70. Photo submitted by Bryan Lassiter.

Storm clouds taken near Duraleigh Road in Raleigh on Sunday. Photo submitted by Kenneth Linn.

Storm clouds over Brier Creek in Raleigh on Sunday. Photo submitted by John.

Heavy rains and wind Sunday in Durham near North Carolina Central University.

Storm clouds over Hillendale Golf Course in Durham on Sunday. Photo submitted by Wendell Hull.

We're likely to see scenes similar to these over the next couple of days. Afternoon showers and storms are in the forecast again for Monday and Tuesday. If severe weather happens in your area, you can send us your reports and photos when it is safe to so to weather@news14.com.

A Stormy Forecast to End the Holiday Weekend

(photos courtesy Adam Azman)

Storm Damage from july 4th in Chapel Hill and Heavy Rain as it pours Saturday off the roof and outside a window in Durham near MLK and Fayetteville road.

First of all, a huge thank you to all of our viewers who took time out of their holiday weekend to mail us either photos or storm reports. Its one thing to see a storm on radar but it is another thing to get verification from our viewers about what is happening (or in some cases in severe weather, what happened after the storm passed). Please remember that if a storms is occuring in your area, your safety comes first; a picture can wait, a report can wait.

We have another possibility of storms this Sunday afternoon as we bring our holiday weekend to a close. Storms this afternoon and evening could again contain fewquent lightning, torrential downpours and gusty winds. There is also a possibilty for small hail, but our main threats will be the rain, lightning and wind today.

We also have the Tropics In our sights. Tropical Storm Bertha has a track (for now) toward the SE United States. The current forecast track is below but please also note that there is a wide margin of error (the "cone" area surrounding the main forecast track) which means that the storm track could move anywhere in time along that curve. Bertha is expected to reach hurricane strength by early next week and could either curve to the north over time or maintain a more southerly track. Either way, Your Weather on the Ones forecast team will keep you posted on the storm's progress.

Weekend Storms.... Watching Bertha

Friday evening storms spoiled 4th of July plans for some folks including fireworks displays across the Triangle. Mother Nature provided her own fireworks in the form of vivid lightning across the region. A News 14 Carolina viewer in Cary captured the above lightning photo over Lake Crabtree Friday night.

Fast forward to Saturday.... thunderstorms are again creating frequent lightning, gusty winds, and heavy rain in some parts of our area. And, it looks like we may do it all over again Sunday afternoon and evening.

As we look toward next weekend, at least an isolated afternoon storm will be possible each day. Then, we'll have to keep close tabs on Bertha. As of Saturday evening, the National Hurricane Center was forecasting Bertha to become a hurricane by the middle of the week as the storm moves to the west and west-northwest across the Atlantic.

Stay tuned for our tropical updates at :21 after the hour on News 14 Carolina!

4th of July Weekend

We certainly hope you are enjoying your Independence Day weekend. As you make outdoor plans, keep in mind scattered thunderstorms are in the forecast during the afternoons especially for Saturday and Sunday. When you need a weather update, we'll be here with your latest forecast every 10 minutes with Weather on the Ones only on News 14 Carolina.

As :21 after the hour, you'll also find your tropical update. We'll be tracking Tropical Storm Bertha through the weekend. The storm should continue a west-northwest track across the open Atlantic and will not be a threat to land over the next three to five days.

Drought severity increases for Triangle, Sandhills areas

The U.S. Drought Monitor map has been updated for this week. The Triangle and Sandhills areas have been moved into the "severe" drought category, which is a category higher in drought intensity than it was last week. The Goldsboro / Wilson areas remain in a "moderate" drought level for yet another week.

The "severe" intensity level had the largest increase this week as there are now 61.9 counties at that level in North Carolina. Last week 48.6 counties were classified as severe .

For yet another week the highest level of drought , "exceptional" drought, has existed in the southwest portion of our state. Just over 6 counties are in the highest drought classification. At the start of our 2008 calendar year we had 51 counties in that classification. One year ago on this date we had no counties in the exceptional drought status, 3 counties in extreme drought, 10 counties in severe drought and 53 counties in moderate drought.

Second Named Storm forms in Atlantic Basin

Tropical Storm Bertha Formed this morning 190 miles SSW of the Cape Verde Islands. The storm is moving WNW at about 14 miles per hour with current (as of 11 am update) sustained winds of 40 miles an hour. Some strengthening is possible over the next 24-48 hours. The storm is not a threat to the US mainland through the mid week forecast period. The next update from the National Hurricane Center will be at about 5 pm Eastern time. For more information, here is the link to the National Hurricane Center:http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/

Here's Bertha....

Tropical Depression #2 has strengthened into Tropical Storm Bertha this morning. The system will not be a threat to land for at least the next 5 days. Stay tuned for the latest on Bertha with our tropical updates at :21 after the hour on News 14 Carolina.

Tropical Depression #2 is Born

Tropical Depression #2 formed early Thursday morning just off the coast of Africa. The depression could become Tropical Storm Bertha later in the day.

North Carolina has had a visit from a storm named Bertha before. Hurricane Bertha made landfall along our coast in July 1996. It is interesting to note that Bertha formed on the first week of July in 1996 in a similar area to today's Tropical Depression #2. Even though there are some similarities there, that does not mean the steering currents over the Atlantic will be the same as they were in July 1996. It is much too early to say where this system will go past 3 to 5 days. It is possible the storm could remain out to sea and never affect land, but it should still be closely monitored. Stay tuned to News 14 Carolina for the latest in our tropical updates at :21 after the hour.

Could a tropical depression be forming?

The National Hurricane Center continues to watch the area of thunderstorms that moved off the coast of Africa yesterday. There is the possibility this tropical wave could develop into a tropical depression over the next day or two. For more on what's happening in the tropics today, check this morning's video blog posted below...

Stay tuned to News 14 Carolina for the latest tropical updates at :21 after the hour...

Watching the Tropics...

So far, the 2008 hurricane season has been pretty uneventful. Sure, the season actually started early when Tropical Storm Arthur formed the day before the season officially started on June 1. Since then, the tropics have been quiet. That is not too unusual for June. The peak of hurricane season typically does not come until September.

However, there are a few things to note in the tropics this first day of July including a tropical wave that is just now moving off the coast of Africa.

Several computer models attempt to develop this wave into a tropical system over the coming days, and conditions over that part of the Atlantic do appear somewhat favorable for slow development.

I have more on that tropical wave and another area of interest in this morning's video blog update posted below...

Hot June

According to information from the National Weather Service in Raleigh, June 2008 will go down as the hottest June on record at the Raleigh-Durham Airport. It will be the second hottest on record for the Raleigh area. The hottest June in the Raleigh area was in 1952 at a weather observation station located at NC State University.

Summer Heat.... Summer Storms?

Here's a look back at high temperatures from around the region from Thursday:

• Erwin: 100
• Goldsboro: 99
• Henderson-Oxford: 99
• Southern Pines: 99
• Chapel Hill: 97
• Fayetteville: 97
• Louisburg: 97
• Raleigh-Durham: 97
• Smithfield: 97
• Laurinburg: 95
• Lumberton: 95
• Rocky Mount-Wilson: 95

We expect to see highs back into the mid 90s today and Saturday. Factor in the humidity, and it will feel more like 100. A few afternoon thunderstorms will be possible the next couple of days, but the greatest chance for more widespread storms looks to come on Sunday. The Storm Prediction Center has placed much of the Carolinas under the slight risk for severe weather on Sunday.

A few of the afternoon storms over the weekend could produce damaging winds and hail. Stay tuned to News 14 Carolina for Weather on the Ones updates through the weekend for the latest.

Heat Continues, Drought Continues....

Today should be the hottest of the week with highs in the upper 90s to near 100 -- just above highs from Wednesday. Here's a look at highs from yesterday around the region:

• Southern Pines: 97
• Goldsboro: 96
• Laurinburg: 96
• Erwin: 95
• Fayetteville: 95
• Henderson-Oxford: 95
• Raleigh-Durham: 95
• Lumberton: 94
• Louisburg: 93
• Rocky Mount-Wilson: 93
• Smithfield: 93

When it comes to the drought, there has been no change over the last week despite receiving some heavy thunderstorms over the weekend.

Moderate drought conditions continue in the eastern part of the state with a severe drought from the western side of the Triangle through the Triad. Parts of western North Carolina are in an extreme to exceptional drought.

The Heat is On

Afternoon temperatures will continue to soar into the 90s for the next several days, and the triple digits look to be more obtainable on Thursday than previously thought. As of Tuesday, the Raleigh-Durham Airport has hit a high of 90 or higher 16 days this month. Compare that to 13 days of 90 degree days in June of last year, 8 days in June 2006, 12 days in June 2005, and 9 days in June 2004.

Thursday should be the hottest day of the week with highs in the upper 90s to near 100. The record high for Thursday stands at 102 set in 1952.

Heating up....

News 14 Carolina meteorologist Joshua McKinney has been very busy the last several afternoons tracking thunderstorms across North Carolina. It looks like we'll get a break from tracking storms the next couple of days. Instead, we'll be tracking the temperature upwards the next few afternoons. The mid to upper 90s will be possible by Thursday. At least it will not be quite as hot as earlier this month. We should stay away from the triple digits this week.

Scattered thunderstorms will return to the forecast by the weekend. Stay tuned to Weather on the Ones and News 14 Carolina...

More Storms for Monday

After a weekend featuring afternoon thunderstorms, we can look for more of the same on Monday. A few of the storms over the weekend were strong with heavy downpours, damaging winds, and hail.

Here's a look at storm reports from Saturday....

and from Sunday....

We again see some strong storms again today. The Storm Prediction Center has outlined most of the Carolinas for a slight risk for severe weather.

The greatest threat from the storms today will be from damaging winds, hail, and again some localized heavy downpours. Today's storms will be scattered across the area meaning not everyone will see the heavy rain. For example, over the weekend the Raleigh-Durham Airport recorded over 2 inches of rain from Saturday and Sunday while Wilson saw less than 0.10" of rain.

Stay tuned to Weather on the Ones and News 14 Carolina through the afternoon and evening for the latest updates. If storms occur in your neighborhood, you can send your storm reports and photos to weather@news14.com.

A return to seasonal temperatures this week

**Flash Flood Warning This morning until 10:30 for Fayetteville, Cumberland county**


Partly to mostly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms, especially south and east of the Triangle.
Highs in the upper 80s.
Cloudy with storms ending tonight.
Lows near 70. Variable clouds Monday with a chance for showers and storms later in the day. Highs near 90.

This week our weather pattern changes. I'm sure you remember the triple-digit heat we had just recently. That was due to a ridge of high pressure not only at the surface, but at higher levels of the atmosphere. That was a perfect pattern for a heat wave as not only did downward-moving air compress and heat up, but upper-level ridges mean that cooler air masses are kept at bay. We have been in a transition pattern, and will see a cooler pattern this coming week as a surface cold front brings more seasonal temperatures (mid to upper 80s are the 'normal' highs for this week). This will be accompanied by an upper level trough which will support these temperatures and perhaps keep a cloud or two overhead from time to time.

Heavy Rains Produce Flash Flooding in our Area this Morning

From the National Weather Service, Raleigh:



732 AM EDT SUN JUN 15 2008
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN RALEIGH HAS ISSUED A
* FLASH FLOOD WARNING FOR...
CUMBERLAND COUNTY IN CENTRAL NORTH CAROLINA
* UNTIL 1030 AM EDT
* AT 723 AM EDT... FLASH FLOODING IN CENTRAL CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
* LOCATIONS THREATENED WITH FLOODING INCLUDE FAYETTEVILLE.
PUBLIC REPORTS HAVE RELAYED TO THE NATIONAL WEATHER THAT CROSS CREEK
IN DOWNTOWN FAYETTEVILLE HAS OVERFLOWED THE BANKS...RESULTING IN
APPROXIMATELY 1 FOOT OF SWIFTLY FLOWING WATER ON RAY AVENUE.
ALTHOUGH THE HEAVIER RAINS HAVE MOVED EAST OF THE AREA...LIGHT TO
MODERATE RAIN WILL PRODUCE ANOTHER A QUARTER TO HALF INCH RAINFALL
THROUGH 900 AM.
A FLASH FLOOD WARNING MEANS THAT FLOODING IS IMMINENT OR OCCURRING.
IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING FLOODING OR LIVE IN A FLOOD PRONE AREA MOVE
TO HIGHER GROUND IMMEDIATELY. THOSE LIVING NEAR CREEKS AND STREAMS
SHOULD MONITOR WATER LEVELS CLOSELY AND BE PREPARED TO TAKE QUICK
ACTION.
MOST FLOOD DEATHS OCCUR IN AUTOMOBILES. NEVER DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE INTO
AREAS WHERE THE WATER COVERS THE ROADWAY. FLOOD WATERS ARE USUALLY
DEEPER THAN THEY APPEAR. JUST ONE FOOT OF FLOWING WATER IS POWERFUL
ENOUGH TO SWEEP VEHICLES OFF THE ROAD. WHEN ENCOUNTERING FLOODED
ROADS...TURN AROUND...DONT DROWN.

Additional Information about our Smoky Situation

The NC Division of Air Quality has issued new information about the smoke which has drifted westward into more of our viewing area.

In a release published this afternoon:

"Current air quality conditions have been caused by smoke from the EvansRoad fire in Hyde County (near Lake Mattamuskeet). Currently, the smoke has filtered as far west as the Triad region, and cloud push furtherwest as the day progresses.
In anticipation of the smoke plume intrusion, Code Orange forecasts forParticle pollution were issued for the Triad, Triangle, and Fayettevilleregions, with a special notice for the Rocky Mount area.
.... As with ozone, particle pollution posses a health risk to youngchildren, active adults, and people with lung disease such as asthma andemphysema. Particle pollution also carries a health risk for people withheart diseases such as coronary artery disease and congestive heartfailure, as these small particles can reach deep into the lungs and canthen be absorbed into the blood stream. During this Code Orange eventchildren, active people, and those with respiratory or heart diseaseshould limit outdoor activity."


You can get current pollutant levels from NCDAQ at the following web sites:By region: http://daq.state.nc.us/ambient/monitors/By pollutant: http://xapps.enr.state.nc.us/aq/ambient/AmbtPollutant.jspBy county/site: http://xapps.enr.state.nc.us/aq/ambient/AmbtSite.jspAdditional information on particle pollution and its health effect canbe found at:NC DAQ FAQ Page: http://daq.state.nc.us/airaware/aqfaq.shtmlEPA’s “Particle Pollution and Your Health” Brochure:http://www.airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=particle.cover

Do you smell smoke?

A smokey smell and haze across our part of North Carolina has had many people asking if something was on fire in their neighborhood this morning. There is something on fire, but its not in our neighborhoods. That smoke is actually from a large wildfire burning toward the coast just west of Manteo. Wind from the east this morning has allowed that smoke to drift into our area giving us a hazy Thursday.

The haze will and smell of smoke will be most evident this morning, but hazy conditions and a faint smell of smoke may linger through the day today.

You can follow the latest on the wildfire burning near the coast by clicking this link from the North Carolina Division of Forest Resources: http://www.dfr.state.nc.us/fire_control/current_fires.htm

Tuesday's Highs

Tuesday was the last day for triple digit heat across the area for the week. Another record was set at the Raleigh-Durham Airport when the high reached 101 breaking the old record of 97 set in 1947. Here's a look at other highs from around our area on Tuesday --

• Rocky Mount-Wilson: 101
• Erwin: 100
• Henderson-Oxford: 100
• Fayetteville: 99
• Goldsboro: 99
• Laurinburg: 99
• Lumberton: 98
• Chapel Hill: 97
• Raleigh (NCSU): 97
• Smithfield: 97

Another Record...

For the fourth straight day, the record high temperature was set at RDU Monday. The high of 100 broke the old record of 98 set in 1999. We'll likely make it a fifth day today. The record for June 10 sits at 97 set in 1947.

Here's a look at other highs from around the area on Monday --

• Laurinburg: 102
• Lumberton: 102
• Fayetteville: 101
• Goldsboro: 101
• Rocky Mount-Wilson: 101
• Chapel Hill: 100
• Henderson-Oxford: 100
• Louisburg: 99
• Smithfield: 99

Sunday's Highs

Sunday was another record breaker in the Triangle. For the second straight day, the record high at RDU was broken when the temperature topped out at 101 Sunday afternoon. Here's a look at other highs from around the region:

• Laurinburg: 102
• Lumberton: 102
• Fayetteville: 101
• Goldsboro: 101
• Erwin: 100
• Henderson-Oxford: 100
• Rocky Mount-Wilson: 100
• Louisburg: 99
• Raleigh (NCSU): 99
• Smithfield: 99
• Chapel Hill: 98
  

Evening Update...

The video discussion will be up and running Monday afternoon. Just in time for the hottest day since August of last year. We're on our way to adding to the record breaking heat as afternoon highs should reach 102 in Raleigh and 103 in Fayetteville.

We've set records in Raleigh for the last three days and here's a list of some of those nasty temps from Sunday afternoon around North Carolina

• Raleigh: 101
• Fayetteville: 101
• Lumberton: 103
• Charlotte: 99
• Greensboro: 97

More record-breaking heat on the way

As you saw in our Weather on the Ones post on Saturday, a number of records for daytime highs were set in NC. We also saw some record overnight lows tied or exceeded.
This morning the overnight low of 73 at RDU International tied the record set for this date from just a year ago. Unless the tempreature drops below 73 sometime before midnight, this will go in the books as a tie.
In Greensboro, the record high minimum temperature at PTI airport was set this morning at 73 degrees. Unless the temperature falls below 73 later today, this will replace the record high minimum for june 8th of 72 degrees set last year.

A heat advisory is in effect once again for our area. The combined relative humidity and triple-digit temperatures are expected to produce a heat index (a "feels-like" temperature) of 105-110 degrees. Thats pretty dangerous heat, so please take things slowly once again today, take frequent breaks, drink LOTS of water (and maybe include something to replenish those electrolytes as well) and try to limit your outside activities to either before 10 am or after 6 pm.
Also please take time to check in on your pets and neighbors, as the elderly are easily overlooked in these conditions.
If its not the heat keeping you mindful of your time outdoors, its the ozone levels. The Triangle region is at a code orange which means its unhealthy for sensitive groups. It is a code yellow for the Sandhills.

I put this link on the blogger page as part of an earlier post , but it bears repeating. The National Weather Service put together a list of resources and information for you geared especially toward staying safe in this kind of heat. You can see this by following this link:

http://www.erh.noaa.gov/rah/heat/

Take it easy, keep cool, and have a good Sunday!
Pati Darak

Evening Update...

No video discussion this weekend. A power surge late last week which caused some technical issues at News 14 Carolina will keep it down until Monday. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Now on to the record highs throughout North Carolina over the last two days. For Raleigh, we experienced the earliest 100 degree day ever at RDU. Beating the old mark by one whole day. This makes two straight days of record breaking heat. It looks like tomorrow will be the peak as highs in Raleigh top out around 103. Keep in mind the all time record high at RDU is 105. We tied that mark in August of last year. The only other time we hit 105 was in 1988!

Here are some other records set in the state on Saturday...

• Asheville: 92
• Greensboro: 97
• Charlotte: 97
• Raleigh: 100
• Wilmington: 97
• New Bern: 98
• Elizabeth City: 99

Thursday's Highs

• Erwin: 100
• Laurinburg: 100
• Southern Pines: 99
• Lumberton: 98
• Fayetteville: 97
• Goldsboro: 96
• RDU: 96
• Raleigh (NCSU): 96
• Rocky Mount-Wilson: 96
• Henderson-Oxford: 95
• Louisburg: 95
• Smithfield: 95
• Chapel Hill: 94

Heat Advisory Today, Expect the Heat to Stick Around

A heat advisory is in effect today, as the combined heat and humidity will make it feel like 100-105 degrees today.
this is the first heat wave of the season, and we're actually getting more of a late Summer pattern here in the Southeast this week.
I'm going to include a link here from the National Weather Service which will give you a ton of information about heat waves, tips for beating the heat and also reminders to check on those around you who may be vulnerable in this weather.

http://www.erh.noaa.gov/rah/heat/

Here's a brief tip for things to remember during periods of excessive heat:
(courtesy of the National Weather Service): Remember the word " HEAT" (Hydrate, Educate, Act, Take it easy)

Heat waves have caused more deaths, on average, in the last ten years than any other weather hazard, including tornadoes, hurricanes, and flooding (see stats). The National Weather Service's excessive heat alert program includes 7-day heat index forecasts and outlooks, heat advisories and warnings, and special weather statements, all accessible on our home page or via the links below. Don't be a statistic this summer.... BEAT THE HEAT!


Hydrate.
Whether you feel thirsty or not, drink plenty of water to avoid becoming dehydrated, especially when you're working or exercising outside.

Educate yourself.
Keep up with the latest temperature and heat index forecasts and current readings (take actions to stay cool and safe when the temperatures hits 85 degrees or the heat index hits 90 degrees). Know the warning signs of a heat illness, and how you can stay cool.

Act quickly when a heat illness is suspected. Seek medical attention immediately for any of these warning signs: cramping, rapid pulse, heavy sweating, hot red skin, dizziness, confusion, nausea, vomiting.

Take it easy. Anyone working or exercising outdoors should avoid overexertion, especially between the hours of 11 am and 6 pm. Take hourly breaks in the shade or in air conditioning.

In addition to the heat advisory, our present weather pattern also has portions of our viewing area in a code Orange Ozone Action Day as well (Fayetteville is the exception, being in a code yellow this Thursday afternoon) . I don't expect this to improve for us anytime soon, as we have high pressure at the surface and in the upper levels of the atmosphere into next week. What this means for us is if you're particularly sensitive to ground level ozone or pullutants (for example, folks who have respiratory or some heart / circulatory conditions , children, elderly, etc.) you will need to curtail your extended outdoor activities to before 10 am or after 6 pm. If you have questions about your particular condition and how the heat might affect you, please check with your doctor.
Stay tuned to your Weather on the Ones Forecast Center for updates about the air quality, the heat, the UV index forecast (which is at a level of 10 today, meaning its in the unhealthy level; about 10 minutes before you'll experience sun damage without sunscreen, so have it handy, apply it as a habit!) and other weather information as you "weather" your 2008 summer in North Carolina!

Stay Cool!
Pati Darak
Weather On the Ones Meteorologist,
News 14 Carolina

Afternoon Update

Records to Watch

With the mercury climbing today and the next several days, we will come close to record high temperatures. Here's a look at the records to watch for RDU --

• Wednesday: 96 (2002)
• Thursday: 99 (2002)
• Friday: 98 (2002)
• Saturday: 97 (1947)
• Sunday: 100 (1999)

That record on June 8 of 100 is the earliest date RDU has ever recorded a high of 100. Records have been kept there since 1944.

Late Afternoon Update

Humidity along with daytime heating is triggering storms over the North Carolina Piedmont. Large hail along with damaging winds are all expected within any stronger storm. Some of this could get as close as our western counties before 6pm. A few storms have already reached severe limits with hail to the size of golf balls over Rowan County being reported. Right now, no watches are in the works as most of the strongest storms should weaken towards sunset.

Afternoon Update...

Check out this video from Iowa!



It shows the frightenting power of an EF-5 tornado as it slams into a bank building on May 25, 2008 in Parkersburg, IA. This was the first EF-5 tornado to strike Iowa since June of 1976.

A little closer to North Carolina we're watching for the potential for severe storms over the Western part of the state this afternoon.

It appears that most of the stronger storms will remain over the Foothills of North Carolina. However, there's the potential for a stray storm over the Western edge of the viewing area as we reach the late afternoon and early evening.

Early Heat Wave

By the end of this week, it will feel like we bypassed June and July and headed straight for August. A heat wave is in the forecast beginning Thursday and Friday, and it's not even officially summer yet! Afternoon temperatures are expected to reach the mid 90s by the end of the week. Some upper 90s are even possible in the Sandhills on Thursday. When you factor in the humidity, those late week temperatures may feel more like 100 or 105.

We'll have to watch the upcoming heat wave closely not only because of health dangers related to heat but also because of the danger of creeping back into a drought. Earlier this spring, rain brought much need relief to the drought in our part of the state. However, last week, we saw the area of extreme drought in western North Carolina expand. With temperatures rising to the mid 90s, evaporation rates will rise this week. Water usage may very well rise as well. A few isolated thunderstorms may pop up during the afternoons with daytime heating, but these summer-like storms do not provide widespread soaking rains. Instead, the isolated storms usually produce brief locally heavy downpours that do not provide the widespread rains needed to alleviate a drought.

The upcoming heat wave may last for a while. Computer models show signs of highs staying in the mid 90s through at least the first half of next week. Stay tuned to Weather on the Ones and News 14 Carolina for updates on this early start to summer...

Afternoon Update