NORTH CAROLINA — Summer weather continues Tuesday, August 18, though a tad less humid air moves in across the west. Highs will generally reach the 90s for most areas, with cooler 80s returning to the mountains in the far west.
Heat Index Tops 110 Degrees Across Eastern North Carolina
Heat index values are forecast to reach 110 degrees or higher across eastern North Carolina Tuesday, with slightly lower readings farther west. Cities including Fayetteville, Wilmington, Whiteville, and Kinston are forecast to reach the 95 to 96 degree range for high temperatures.
Raleigh is expected to hit 94 degrees, while Charlotte climbs to 95 degrees. Mountain communities including Asheville, Boone, and Hot Springs will see notably milder conditions, generally in the 80s, offering a break from the intense heat farther east.
More Stable Air Limits Storms in Central and Western NC
More stable air is moving into central and western North Carolina Tuesday, resulting in very little to no storm activity expected for Raleigh and points west. This marks a shift from recent days, when storm chances were more widespread across the state.
Isolated Storms Possible Along the Coast
Areas east and just inland, where the sea breeze develops, could see a couple of isolated to scattered afternoon storms Tuesday. Most areas outside of this coastal zone are expected to see partly to mostly sunny skies through the day.
Morning conditions are expected to be pretty quiet statewide, with winds out of the northwest at 5 to 15 mph.
Storm Chances Increase Later This Week
Storm chances are expected to ramp back up statewide by Thursday and Friday, with the potential for additional activity continuing into the weekend. Forecasters will continue watching this trend as the week progresses…