09/03/2026
9/3/26 forecast from our partners at NC Emergency Management
Key Takeaways:
• Dangerous heat and humidity will continue Thursday through Saturday with heat index values in the triple digits for much of NC.
• Daily chances for severe weather return across NE NC on Thursday, expanding across much of the state Friday and Saturday.
Dangerous heat and humidity are forecast Thursday and Friday with Major to Extreme Heat Risk across much of NC. Hot conditions will linger into Saturday before a cold front brings relief and ushers in near normal temperatures for the remainder of Labor Day weekend. The chance for showers and strong to severe thunderstorms will increase from north to south each day into the weekend ahead of and along a cold front, with the best chance on Saturday.
• High temperatures rise into the mid to upper 90s to near 100°F again Thursday with overnight lows dipping into the mid to upper 70s. Unseasonably dangerous heat with heat index values exceeding 100°F will continue into Saturday before late weekend relief occurs behind a cold front Saturday. Moderate Heat Risk is forecast across the mountains Thursday through Saturday with Major to Extreme Heat Risk forecast elsewhere across the state through Friday. Moderate to Major Heat Risk will continue on Saturday for much of NC.
• A Heat Advisory is in effect from 11AM to 8PM Thursday across much of central and eastern NC where heat index values of 105-108°F are expected. Heat advisories are likely to continue through at least Friday for portions of NC.
• While a Moderate Heat Risk impacts most individuals sensitive to heat, a Major Heat Risk will impact anyone without effective cooling or adequate hydration. Extreme Heat Risk will impact anyone without effective cooling or adequate hydration, but heat impacts in these areas are expected to be longer duration providing little to no overnight relief from the heat.
• Limit time outdoors this week if possible but be sure to stay hydrated if working or playing outside. Wear light and loose-fitting clothing and take frequent breaks in the shade.
• Another day of mostly dry conditions are forecast Thursday with an isolated shower and storm possible across the mountains and northern portions of NC. Areas across the northeast Piedmont and Coastal Plain have the best chance of isolated severe storms Thursday afternoon and evening where a Marginal Risk (level 1 of 5) is in place. Any strong to severe storms that develop will be capable of damaging wind gusts.
• As a cold front slowly shifts southward, isolated to scattered strong to severe storms are forecast across northern portions of western NC and much of the remainder of the state on Friday. Isolated to scattered severe thunderstorms are forecast across much of NC Saturday before rain/storm chances decrease on Sunday behind the front.
• The primary threat with any strong to severe storms that develop Friday and Saturday will be damaging winds gusts and large hail.
• Showers and storms may also produce heavy rainfall, and isolated flash floods are possible across northeast NC on Friday where a Marginal Risk (level 1 of 4) is in place. While the flash flood risk decreases on Saturday, southern portions of the mountains have been incorporated into a Marginal Risk (level 1 of 4) for isolated flash floods Sunday.
