The biggest weather story heading into the Independence Day weekend continues to be the heat. While we still aren’t looking at a record-breaking or historic heat wave, several consecutive days of hot, humid weather are creating an increasing risk of heat-related illnesses, especially for anyone spending extended time outdoors.
High temperatures this afternoon will climb well into the 90s across the Foothills, and when you factor in the humidity, it’ll feel like 100 to 105 degrees in many locations. Because of that, a Heat Advisory remains in effect for areas east of the mountains. Even though humidity may mix out just a bit during the afternoons this weekend, the accumulated effects of several hot days in a row mean the heat will continue to take a toll.
If you’re headed to parades, cookouts, ballgames, lakes, or fireworks celebrations this weekend, make sure you’re taking the heat seriously. Drink plenty of water before you become thirsty, take breaks in the shade or air conditioning whenever possible, and check on elderly neighbors, young children, and anyone without reliable cooling. Never leave children or pets inside a parked vehicle, even for a few minutes.
The good news is that this stretch of intense heat won’t last forever. Temperatures should slowly ease back toward more typical July levels as we head into next week, although it’ll still be plenty warm with highs remaining in the lower to middle 90s.
Storm Chances
For most of the holiday weekend, the best chance for afternoon and evening thunderstorms will remain over the North Carolina mountains and the western foothills. Most communities across the Foothills should stay dry, but we can’t completely rule out an isolated storm drifting off the higher terrain into the NW Piedmont during the late afternoon or evening.
If a storm does develop, the atmosphere will have plenty of energy to work with. Even though winds higher in the atmosphere will be fairly weak, a few storms could briefly become strong, producing damaging wind gusts from collapsing thunderstorms, commonly known as microbursts. These storms tend to develop quickly and can knock down trees and power lines despite lasting only a short time. Though currently not indicated in the marginal risk, I believe the western foothills, adjacent to the mountains, do have a risk of severe weather this afternoon with damaging winds being the main risk.
Rain and thunderstorm chances will become a little more widespread across the Foothills next week as the upper-level ridge weakens and a more typical summertime weather pattern returns.
Holiday Weekend Forecast
Today: Hot and humid with highs in the mid to upper 90s. Heat index values between 100 and 105 degrees. Mostly sunny with only a slight chance of an isolated late-day thunderstorm.
Saturday (Independence Day): Another very hot day with afternoon temperatures in the 90s and heat index values around or just above 100 degrees. Most fireworks displays should stay dry, although a few widely scattered thunderstorm can’t be ruled out.
Sunday: Still hot but beginning a slow downward trend in temperatures. A few isolated afternoon thunderstorms will be possible, mainly near the mountains.
Looking Ahead: Next week brings a return to a more typical July pattern with slightly cooler temperatures, highs generally in the lower to middle 90s, and scattered afternoon and evening thunderstorms becoming more common.
Have a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July weekend, and remember that while the fireworks may steal the show Saturday night, the heat will be the biggest weather hazard throughout the weekend. Stay cool, stay hydrated, and have multiple ways to receive weather warnings if you’re spending time outdoors.
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