Cool front brings evening storms

Weather spotters in north Raleigh reported quarter-sized hail and wind gusts of greater than 50 mph. In downtown Raleigh, a concert at the outdoor amphitheater was delayed as the storms passed.

The afternoon high of 102 quickly cooled into the 70s as a cool front moved in along with the rain.

The front is expected to park itself over the state this weekend, which could lead to another round of storms on Saturday.

While early forecasts noted the chance for severe thunderstorms Friday, the front's dawdling speed meant it didn't arrive in time to feed on the heat of the day and the impact was moderated, WRAL Chief Meteorologist Greg Fishel said.

The front stayed north of the Triangle through 6 p.m., but it popped up some storms earlier for Roxboro, Roanoke Rapids and other communities along the North Carolina-Virginia border.

Friday was a scorcher all across the area, with temperatures again topping 100 degrees and heat indices over 110.

High temperatures were expected to reach 97 degrees on Saturday and 95 on Sunday, before backing off to the low 90s early next week. Fishel said the chances for rain increase on Monday and Tuesday.

If the Triangle tops 90 degrees every day through Tuesday, it would mean 26 days in July of 90 or higher, which Fishel said would set a new record for the area.

August starts off on the same note, with highs in the low 90s through next Friday.