Strong to severe thunderstorms and dangerous heat expected through Saturday

An active week of thunderstorms starts on Wednesday, coupled with excessive heat, per an update from the National Weather Service (NWS) Newport / Morehead City office

Dangerous heat indices of 100 degrees or more are expected on Wednesday, July 6. Then, later this afternoon and especially this evening, strong to severe thunderstorms are possible, bringing a threat for damaging winds and torrential downpours with localized flooding. Some large hail and frequent lightning may accompany the storms as well.

On Thursday through Saturday, multiple rounds of strong to severe thunderstorms are possible as a very unstable atmosphere remains in place. Very heavy rain rates may occur with any of the storms, with the best chances for storms occurring during the afternoon through evening hours. Heat index values may approach or exceed 105 on Thursday and Friday across eastern N.C., although will likely be lower along the Outer Banks.

A cold front finally pushes through later Saturday or early Sunday ending the unsettled weather pattern and bringing relief from the oppressive heat and humidity.

For more information on the local forecast, visit www.weather.gov/mhx for weather information, or the National Weather Service office in Newport / Morehead City’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NWSMoreheadCity/.