(NCNN WeatherCenter)–You will need to be careful outdoors this week, especially Thursday, when a Heat Advisory and a Level 2 risk for severe storms are in the forecast for portions of Wayne County.

“The peak of the heat will be this weekend, when highs climb into the upper 90s, with a heat index exceeding 105 degrees,” said North Carolina News Network meteorologist Kat Campbell.

We should see more heat advisories this weekend with head indices sweltering in the 105-110 range.

“There is no real relief in sight for heat or humidity with above normal highs lasting through at least next week and likely into August,” said Campbell.

The day to watch for storms is Thursday, NCNN meteorologist Aimee Wilmoth said, when there is a 50 percent chance of showers in the afternoon and evening. The area is under a Level 1 and Level 2 risk for storms.

It will also be extra hot. The heat index could reach 110 degrees on Thursday, so a heat advisory has been issued.

The hot and humid air may also help to fuel severe storms, Wilmoth said.

All of central North Carolina is under a Level 1 risk for severe weather on Thursday. Damaging winds, heavy rain and hail are the biggest risks with the storms. Some counties around the Triangle are under a Level 2 risk.

The bulk of Thursday’s storms will arrive in the afternoon and could stick around until sunset.

There is the potential for some heavy rain and a few strong storms, so all of central North Carolina is under a low-level risk for flooding, as well.

Relief from the heat won’t come anytime soon with highs climbing into the upper 90s for the week. The triple-digit heat index also sticks around through the week. It could even feel as hot as 108 degrees on Sunday.

Long-range forecasts indicate above-normal temperatures are likely to stay with us throughout the next two weeks.

The good news is the rainfall has improved drought conditions across North Carolina. Last week, 53% of the state was under at least a moderate drought. That number is now 21%.