Hot weather blasts Kinston

Scorching hot weather is heading to Kinston today.

The heat index will reach 110 degrees this afternoon, according to Accuweather spokesman Brian Edwards. Edwards said the day-time high today will be 101 degrees but it will feel like 110 degrees when humidity levels are added.

"It's going to be the hottest day so far this year," Edwards said. "It's going to get a little cooler on Sunday."

Sunday's high temperature is forecasted to be 94 degrees with a heat index approaching 99 degrees. States in the Southeast will feel the brunt of the extreme heat this weekend with average high temperatures reaching 104 degrees.

A high pressure system will pump warm air into North Carolina and surrounding states. Some areas should expect a stretch of several days with triple-digit heat.

Charlotte hasn't reached 90 degrees this year. A high pressure centered over the Gulf Coast area will bring temperatures near 100 degrees in Charlotte today, though.

Officials advise the public to refrain from strenuous outdoor activities, wear light clothing and drink plenty of water during extreme heat conditions.

Edwards said high temperatures would return to seasonal averages next week into the upper 80s. Forecasters don't expect any rainfall in Kinston during the weekend.

"The high pressure will slowly move west," Edwards said. "When the high pressure moves more west that's when the hot weather will diminish in Kinston."

Chris Lavender can be reached at (252) 559-1078 or clavender@freedomenc.com.