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Temperatures Wednesday reached scorching highs as the hottest day of the year. More heat is on the way while storms expected to roll back in Thursday. 

Hottest day of the year Wednesday, storm chances return Thursday

I'm meteorologist Kat Campbell. Two big weather stories to talk about this week. Number one, the heat. We're going to be dealing with this pretty much every single day. 95 Thursday with a heat index to over 100, we see a little bit of a dip Friday and Saturday behind our front, and then the bigger heat returns by the end of the weekend and early next week, Sunday 97 with the heat index nearing 105, and by Monday and Tuesday of next week we're. going to see some heat advisories issued. The actual highs should be in the upper 90s. We will get a break from storm chances though. There's one exception to this, and that will come on Thursday, primarily during the evening hours tomorrow. Then we finally have a dry weekend, just a really hot weekend. So let's talk about our storm threat. We've got a cold front approaching from the west. This is going to provide the focus for these thunderstorms to form and out ahead of these storms we've got a A lot of heat and humidity to energize the atmosphere because of that, there is a level 2 out of 5 severe weather threat for Thursday. That means it's automatically a WRL weather alert day for us. The timing right now looks to be 5 to 11 p.m. It's a level 2 threat and damaging wind gusts would be the primary threat. I'm waiting on a brand new model run to come in right now, and I'll have a closer look at that so we get a better feel for the timing town by town coming up on WRAL news this evening.

WRAL WeatherCenter Forecast

Heat risk from Wednesday through next Tuesday

Shrimpgate: New bill to protect waterways would 'destroy' shrimp industry in North Carolina, critics warn

Shrimp trawler

Woman arrested in Raleigh puppy mill bust that led to rescue of 101 dogs

Aurora Garcia-Moso

NC lawmakers send sweeping foster care reforms to governor 

A file photo of the Department of Social Services.

Teen missing for a year was living with man in High Point

Joseph Rossomando

Wake County graduates face scorching heat for memorable ceremony at Raleigh Convention Center

Pride flags stolen in Cary neighborhood days ahead of Raleigh Pride celebration

Pride flag

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UNC-Chapel Hill is navigating a significant $126 million reduction in federal grant funding, affecting 109 research projects and sparking concerns about future scientific advancements.

UNC faces $126M cut in federal grants, impacting 109 research projects

UNC Chapel Hill Bell Tower

North Carolina has officially launched PATH NC, a new statewide digital system that unifies data tracking for foster children across all 100 counties.

NC launches unified digital system for foster child tracking after WRAL documentary exposes gaps

A file photo of the Path NC website, which is a statewide digital system that unifies data tracking for foster children across all 100 counties.

As schools in central and eastern North Carolina prepare for the new academic year, several districts are implementing stricter cellphone policies to enhance classroom engagement.


Cellphone crackdown: New policies going into effect in districts across NC

Enloe Magnet High School student uses cellphone for coursework

The language approved Wednesday is identical to language approved by the House in their budget bill in May, while the Senate has recently begun debating their own version of it, with some changes.

More NC charter school oversight would move from superintendent under bill passed by NC House

Student, class, school, writing

Wake County Sheriff's Office is investigating an armed carjacking that happened on Development Drive in Morrisville on Tuesday.

Lenovo employee carjacked in Morrisville from Lenovo parking deck; vehicle found, thief on the loose

Wake County Sheriff's Office investigates armed robbery in Morrisville

Students could leave public school classrooms if they have religious objections to course material if lawmakers approve a slew of new proposals added to a bill Wednesday.

NC parents could block their student from books, class discussions under new proposal

Ban on books

Court documents state R. Kelly was rushed to Duke University Hospital on June 13 after allegedly overdosing on his medications while incarcerated at the Federal Correctional Institute in Butner.

R. Kelly rushed to Duke University Hospital after alleged prison overdose in Butner

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Washington (CNN) â The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady again Wednesday as officials continue to wait for the fallout of President Donald Trumpâs sweeping policy changes and tensions in the Middle East.

Takeaways from the Fedâs decision to keep rates on hold as officials watch Trumpâs tariffs and Israel-Iran conflict

Fed Expected to Keep Rates Steady

Sanford woman Candace Waddell said she's dealing with a washed-out yard that's threatening the foundation of her home days after intense rainfall hit the area. 

Sanford woman fears home damage as rushing waters worsen flood aftermath

Flooding in Sanford

During Wednesday night's Live After 5 concert in downtown Raleigh, Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell will officially turn on North Carolina's Main Street Lights on Fayetteville Street.


Main Street Lights to illuminate Fayetteville Street during Live After 5

Live After 5 lineup

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There's heat, and there's big-league heat. That's what we're tracking much of the next one-to-two weeks.

First 100Â° day of the year possible next week in Triangle, Sandhills

Heat dome to create hottest weather of the year so far

If you're planning to spend a lot of time outside in the heat, such as for a sporting event or a day at a theme park, it's important to stay hydrated. 

7 tips to stay hydrated outdoors

Feeling thirsty? Summer heat accelerates dehydration

Summer programs and camps are still available at a variety of places in Raleigh, Durham and the surrounding areas.


Still need a summer camp? Some camps in Raleigh, Durham still have openings

children playing in forest

The National Weather Service offers these tips to keep healthy during extreme heat.

Too hot! Here's how to stay safe, stay cool as temperatures reach near 100 degrees

Heat, hot temperatures

June is officially Pride month and we have your guide to the events happening in the Triangle! 

Your 2025 guide to Pride in the Triangle

Rainbow flag waving outdoors (Adobe Stock)

With over 1.3 million Americans falling ill from salmonella annually, the safety of poultry remains a pressing concern. Consumer Reports highlights alarming findings, revealing salmonella in nearly one-third of tested ground chicken, emphasizing gaps in federal oversight.


5 On Your Side: How to prevent food poisoning after USDA backs down on salmonella rules

Generic, stock photo of raw chicken

Don't Miss It

The North Carolina Senate voted for the measure Wednesday. A final vote is scheduled for Thursday. Some coastal Republicans are adamantly opposed.

Flounder fishing bill would ban inshore shrimp trawling in NC

Families beat the heat as Wake County students graduate

Cellphone crackdown: A look at the new districtwide policies

5 On Your Side: How to find the best high chair

Tar Heel Traveler: Tarboro River andits

Lenovo employee carjacked at gunpoint on RTP campus

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Man charged with setting Durham grocery store on fire, also charged with setting two cars ablaze

Local News

Interim to permanent: Wake Forest has new police chief

First-ever woman elected as RDU Airport Authority Board Chair

Durham EMS honors heroic paramedic with memorial walk at Duke

Driver charged with DWI after tractor-trailer carrying blackberries overturns on I-95

Trump administration removing 988 hotline service tailored to LGBTQ+ youth in July

Nation/World

Karen Read found not guilty of second-degree murder, guilty of drunken driving in boyfriend's death

Iran's leader rejects call to surrender, saying US intervention would cause 'irreparable damage'

Hurricane Erick strengthens to a Category 2 storm as it nears Mexico's Pacific coast

US unemployment ticked down, hovering at historically low levels

The Wake County Board of Commissioners has approved the schematic design for Lake Myra County Park, a 218-acre park site in Wendell that has been in the works since 2007.


Nearly 20 years after purchasing the land, Wake County approves design for Lake Myra County Park

Lake Myra County Park phase one design (Wake County Parks and Recreation)

Marbles Kids Museum, Moore Square to host Juneteenth celebration

Juneteenth event at Marbles

Weekend best bets: Juneteenth events, Out! Raleigh

A guide to what the Juneteenth holiday is and how to celebrate it

Juneteenth_Explainer_57316

100+ events to check out in NC this June

June events list graphic

Free, discounted summer family movies in the Triangle

Free or discounted summer movies in Triangle

Out & About

Fact check: Could Trump delay elections if Congress passes the 'big beautiful bill'?

Politifact

Fact check: Are 20% of Medicaid payments 'improper'?

Fact-checking misinformation about the LA protests

Military bases' new names sound as if they're named after Confederates, but that's not the case

Fact check: Trump says immigrants in U.S. illegally have different due process standards

Republicans introduce legislation that would allow students to skip some lessons in 'culture war' bill

NC Capitol

Helene relief funding to move forward despite budget impasse

Von Haefen apologizes to NC lawmakers for social media image depicting 'inappropriate' protest sign 

NC lawmakers approve bill shifting regulatory powers from governor to legislature 

State lawmakers moving quickly on bill to regulate THC, Delta 9 products

Johnston County School Board selects new superintendent

Education

Johnston County schools' new policy restricts cellphone use for teachers and students during class 

Meet the season 29 Brain Game champions for 2024-2025

Brain Game championship: Raleigh Charter High School vs. Lee Early College

Families encouraged to arrive early for graduation ceremonies

Supersonic flights coming to Greensboro as part of new JetZero facility in Greensboro

WRAL In Depth

Where are the fireflies?

4 million gallons of drinking water are lost every day in Durham. What's being done to fix that

Local man's vital knee surgery denied until 5 On Your Side got involved

5 On Your Side solves mystery of money transfer that failed

Tampa Bay Rays say they are in talks for a potential sale amid stadium uncertainty

WRALSportsFan

The Thunder know an NBA title is just 1 win away. They're trying to keep their minds on the Pacers

Buss family to sell controlling stake of Lakers to Mark Walter for $10B valuation, AP source says

'A well-oiled machine': How the Florida Panthers' team-first mentality led to another Stanley Cup

Durham Bulls beat Omaha Storm Chasers 7-1 

Le'Ezra Brown & Adelaide Jernigan named NCHSAA Athletes of the Year for 2024-2025

HighSchoolOT

The 2025 HighSchoolOT All-State Girls Outdoor Track & Field Team

Girls basketball: Ten takeaways from NCHSAA and NCISAA live camps

The 2025 HighSchoolOT All-State Boys Outdoor Track & Field Team

Twelve current and former NC high school baseball players invited to MLB Draft Combine

The North Carolina Senate wants to ban some hemp products and prohibit the sale of certain THC drinks and gummies to anyone younger than the age of 21 -- a proposal that could set up a fight with the House, which passed a more limited measure earlier in the legislative session.

NC bill seeks ban on synthetic hemp, new regulations on Delta 9 and THC products

Congress may add a yearly federal fee, $100 for hybrids and $250 for electric vehicles, with some senators pushing to double it. The charge would stack on state fees and could erase the fuel savings that attract many buyers.

Congress targets EVs with yearly charge on top of state fees

A file photo of electric vehicles charging.

Congress debates clear-car fee

The lawmakers targeted in the Minnesota attacks had no security detail. That's true for most state lawmakers around the country, including in North Carolina. 

Minnesota shootings highlight lack of security for NC lawmakers

Reaching a company's customer service can be very difficult, especially if the company does not list a phone number. Businesses are now warning customers about a new surge in fake customer service links to keep you from wasting your money. 

Amazon fake customer service warning

Cat slippers, sewing videos and sad music are part of the latest social media scam. They're being used to persuade people to support fake causes. WRAL's 5 On Your Side has the latest TikTok scam tugging at your heart-strings - trying to convince you to buy into fake causes. 

Misleading TikTok videos are tricking people into supporting fake causes

WRAL Specialists

Tailor's image hijacked, used for viral TikTok scam

Restaurant Ratings: Luna Azul Tacos & Mariscos, Taqueria El Refugio and Thai 55

5 On Your Side: Data collection for consumer price report suspended in 3 cities

5 On Your Side

How Raleigh police officer handled searches compromised cases, report shows

Lawmakers considering restrictions on agritourism to rein in rowdy parties

Legislators considering law change after WRAL Investigates' reporting on farm parties

Wake County facing rise in fire truck costs

Investigations

Guest column: AI and CareTech are transforming how we care for aging parents

Grace Ueng: Why I teach teams to âdo something scary every dayâ

Tom Snyder: The fragile trust behind powerful technologies

Donald Thompson: Employees' money problems are costing you more than you think

WRAL TechWire

Toy company challenges Trumpâs tariffs before the Supreme Court in long shot bid for quick decision

Student loan payments have restarted. Here's how to manage the impact to your credit score

Amazon hopes to deliver 10,000 robotaxis annually with new factory, challenging Waymo

Average long-term US mortgage rate eases to 6.81%, the third consecutive weekly decline

Business

Powerball

Mega Millions

Cash 5

Alzheimer's caregiver: Summer camp, healing and compassion

Family

Go Ask Dad: A note on fathers

A father's poor mental health may harm his children's development, study finds

 Raleigh Stroller Society: How fathers are strengthening their network

For the dads: Raleigh Stroller Society unites fathers, fosters connection and growth

Top grocery deals valid June 18-24

SmartShopper

Top Amazon Deals: Hanes Men's Polo Shirt 2 Pk only $7.51 (71% off) plus Wireless Computer Mouse, Meat Shredding Claws, Men's Cargo Shorts, Dog Fetch Stick

Amazon July Prime Day dates announced with double the shopping days

List of National Smoothie Day 2025 freebies & deals on June 21

Walmart Deals: Heavy Duty Metal Garage Shelving Unit only $40.99 (reg. $109.99) plus TVs, Women's Blouses, Nerf Dog Light Up Ball