NWS: Scattered severe thunderstorms and dangerous heat possible today

Eastern NC continues to be under the threat for both dangerous heat, and scattered severe thunderstorms this afternoon into early evening.

1) The hot and humid air mass that has moved in yesterday will be peaking today. The combination of heat and humidity will produce heat index values up to around 110 degrees or so for a good part of Eastern NC today. Heat advisories and excessive heat warnings are in effect.

2) A very unstable atmosphere is still possible today, though there are questions on how much cloud cover is over the region from decaying thunderstorm activity to the west and north. Should the clouds thin and more sunshine become realized, instability will be higher, and a larger threat for severe storms would still be on the table. If clouds remain and keep the region more stabilized, the storm threat would be diminished. Should severe weather develop, damaging wind gusts would be the main hazard, though large hail and some localized flooding are possible as well, along with frequent lightning strikes.