Thunderstorms, heat roll through central NC

Severe thunderstorms passed through Wake and Durham counties before moving eastward. More than an inch and a half of rain was measured in Raleigh.

Lightning from the storms was responsible for at least one house fire in Fayetteville and another in Durham. No injuries were reported in either fire.

The National Weather Service earlier in the day issued a heat advisory for much of eastern North Carolina from 1 to 7 p.m. Temperatures in the mid to upper 90s combined with humidity to produce a heat index of 101 to 106 across the region.

Area counties in the advisory included Cumberland, Harnett, Johnston, Nash, Edgecombe, Wayne, Wilson, Hoke and Sampson.

There will be no relief from the heat Monday or Tuesday, either.

WRAL meteorologist Aimee Wilmouth said to expect temperatures nearing 100 degrees in Raleigh to start the work week with noticeable humidity.

People are advised to limit outdoor activity in the afternoon and evening, drink plenty of fluids and check up on relatives and neighbors.​