Weekend scorcher expected as extreme heat continues
Another weekend of triple-digit temperatures is on tap for the Triangle, with the mercury expected to hit 104 on Saturday.
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The high-pressure system that rolled in from the Midwest Thursday will remain throughout the weekend, bringing scorching heat and humidity to the region, WRAL meteorologist Mike Maze said. The temperature on Friday will soar to 90 degrees by noon and peak at 102 for the day.
With the heat comes the chance for afternoon thunderstorms again on Friday, although they would likely be widespread, said WRAL meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner.
Hail and high winds were reported across the area Thursday evening. In Smithfield, authorities believed high winds caused a support cable to snap on a communications tower. Crews worked were called in to secure the structure.
Tom McDonald said he saw "strong winds, marble size hail and heavy lightning" in the Lake Wheeler/Holly Springs area.
The National Weather Service reported numerous trees down in Granville and Orange counties and a home struck by lightning on Poplar Drive in Mebane.
While Monday's high is expected to reach 92 degrees, relief won't come until Tuesday. That's when the temperature should drop to a high of 80 degrees.
"By Monday, a front moves in and stalls," Maze said. "As it stalls, we'll have clouds and a good chance of showers and thunderstorms Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday that will keep the heat down."
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