Severe weather likely this afternoon, Fayetteville could beat a heat record

By Peta Sheerwood, WRAL meteorologist

Raleigh, N.C. — Sunday will be another hot day, but a chance for rain and severe storms could move into the region by this afternoon.

The storm system from the west could move into the Triangle by 4 p.m., bringing rain to the area. Counties north of the Triangle have a greater chance for severe weather and are under a level 1 risk for severe weather.

Isolated hail and gusty winds will be possible there.

In the Triangle, storms won’t be severe, but rain could dampen outdoor plans.

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“The earlier you get out to get some fresh air, the better,” said WRAL meteorologist Peta Sheerwood.

It will be another very warm day, with a high around 89 degrees in Raleigh by the afternoon and even warmer highs toward the south. Fayetteville, which is expected to hit the 90s, could even beat a heat record.

“We are looking at the potential for some record heat again today across parts of the state,” Sheerwood said. “The record for Raleigh is 94 degrees set in 1907. The record high for Fayetteville is 87 degrees set in 2012.”

Temperatures will drop back into the low 70s on Monday, which will be partly cloudy and mild. A chance for rain returns Tuesday, which will be cooler still with a high in the upper 50s to lower 60s.

“It is quite possible many locations could remain in the 50s all day,” Sheerwood said.

The coolest day of the week will be Wednesday, with highs in the mid to upper 50s, before 60s and 70s return for Thursday, Friday and the weekend.