NORTH CAROLINA — A building heat wave is sending temperatures soaring across North Carolina Thursday, with high pressure strengthening and pushing highs into the 90s and low 100s for most of the state. Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro and Statesville are all forecast to reach the century mark, while heat index values factoring in dewpoint could climb as high as 108 degrees in spots this afternoon. Isolated thunderstorms are possible, mainly across the southwest mountains, with a stray storm capable of producing damaging winds.
Widespread 100-Degree Heat Grips the Central Piedmont
Partly to mostly sunny skies will dominate Thursday as high pressure builds in across the state. Charlotte, Raleigh, Statesville, Sanford, Asheboro and Fayetteville are all forecast to hit 100 degrees, with Mooresville and Shelby joining them at the century mark as well.
Winston-Salem, Durham, Greenville and Wilson will run just behind in the upper 90s, keeping most of central North Carolina under oppressive afternoon heat.
Heat Index Values Climb as High as 108 Degrees
When factoring in dewpoint, heat index values are expected to reach up to 108 degrees in the hottest spots this afternoon. Combined with light winds out of the east at only 5 to 10 mph, the heat will feel especially intense with little relief through the afternoon hours.
Residents across the Piedmont and eastern regions should take precautions during peak heating hours given the dangerous heat index readings.
Beaches and Higher Mountains See Slightly Cooler Relief
Coastal communities including Corolla, Hatteras, Ocracoke and Emerald Isle will stay several degrees cooler, generally in the mid to upper 80s. The higher mountains around Highlands, Cashiers and Banner Elk will also see relief, with highs only in the upper 80s to low 90s.
Isolated Storms Possible, Mainly in the Southwest Mountains
A couple of isolated thunderstorms are possible this afternoon and evening, with the better chance for development across the southwest mountains near Murphy, Franklin and Robbinsville. A stray storm could bring damaging winds, though most of the state will see nothing but heat. Stay with NapervilleLocal.com for the latest weather updates and local forecast coverage.…