A heat wave is moving through North Carolina, but temperatures are expected to drop after Thursday, according to the National Weather Service office in Greer, South Carolina.
After a hot start to this week, temperatures on Friday and through the weekend are expected to be cooler, meteorologist Ashley Rehnberg said.
A heat wave that began July 25 is expected to continue through Wednesday of this week. Highs through Wednesday in the region are expected to be in the mid 90s. Thursday’s high is expected to be in the low 90s.
Heat index values, which are estimates of what the air feels like due to the temperature and humidity, are expected to be in the low 100s on Tuesday.
Rehnberg said a high pressure system sitting over the region caused the heat wave.
There is a chance of rain during the week, but there is uncertainty around how much the rain will impact temperatures, Rehnberg said.
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Cooler temperatures this weekend around Burke County
Rehnberg said relief from the heat is expected. Highs Friday will be in the low-to-mid 80s as a cold front moves into the area. High temperatures Saturday and Sunday are expected to be in the upper 70s to low 80s.
“We’re going to go from one extreme to the other, at least for this time of year,” Rehnberg said.
That cooler air will be accompanied by a chance of rain, Rehnberg said.

Luke Verzani plays on the splash pad at Troutman ESC Park in Troutman on July 12, 2024.
Where can I find a pool or splash pad?
Looking for a way to beat the heat? Here are a few pools, splash pads and other attractions in the area:
Iredell County
Statesville Leisure Pool at 1875 Simonton Road, Statesville ($7); Splashpad at Bentley Center, 1410 3rd St., Statesville (free); Iredell County Recreation Center at 122 Grannis Lane, Statesville ($5 Ages 13+, $4 ages 12 and under); and Troutman ESC Park splash pad at 338 North Ave., Troutman (free).
Catawba County
Kiwanis Park at 805 6th St. SE, Hickory (free); Kool Park at 3170 31st Ave. Court NE, Hickory ($18 adults, $10 children, seniors); Newton Swimming Pool and Splash Pad at 23 S. Brady Ave. (Pool, $4 adults, children $3, 5 or younger $1, Splash pad, $1); Maiden Municipal Park at 220 E. Cemetery St. in Maiden (free).
Burke County
Aquatic Center Indoor Pool at 117 Alphabet Lane, ɫ (Adult $5, senior $4, children $3); Collett Street Outdoor Pool at 401 N. King St., ɫ (Adult $5, senior $4, children $3, wading pool $2).
McDowell County
Marion Community Building splash pad at 191 N. Main St., Marion (free).