RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA — North Carolina is bracing for intensifying heat this Friday, July 3, with high pressure building in and bringing near-record to record-breaking temperatures across much of the state. An Excessive Heat Warning is in effect from Raleigh through Greensboro and north to Elizabeth City, where heat index values could reach 110 degrees or greater.
Excessive Heat Warning Zone Sees Highest Temperatures
Raleigh is forecast to reach the hottest air temperature of the day at 104 degrees, with heat index values expected to climb even higher in the Excessive Heat Warning zone. Durham and Fayetteville are both expected to reach 102 degrees, while Sanford and Goldsboro are forecast to hit 102 degrees as well.
Greensboro is expected to reach 101 degrees, alongside Kittrell, Wilson, and Rocky Mount. Roxboro, Norlina, and Danbury are all forecast to hit 100 degrees, rounding out the core of the Excessive Heat Warning coverage area.
Heat Advisory Covers Most of Remaining State
Outside the Excessive Heat Warning zone, a Heat Advisory is in effect for most of the state, excluding the mountains and beaches. Within this zone, heat index values are expected to feel like up to 110 degrees.
Charlotte and Monroe are both forecast to reach 101 degrees, while Statesville, Hickory, and Mooresville are expected to hit 100 to 101 degrees. Lumberton, Whiteville, and Clinton are forecast to reach 100 degrees, and Wilmington is expected to hit 95 degrees.
Mountains and Beaches See Comparatively Milder Highs
The mountains and beaches are excluded from both the Heat Advisory and Excessive Heat Warning, seeing noticeably lower highs. Asheville and Hendersonville are forecast to reach 93 degrees, while Highlands and Cashiers stay cooler at 86 degrees…