NORTH CAROLINA -- Thursday will feature the last quiet day of weather before storm chances ramp up by Friday, with storms become likely each day out of the weekend.

• Thursday will be the last quiet day as storms approach. 
• Storm chances will begin to ramp up friday through the weekend.
• Those chances will continue into next wee. 

An upper-level ridge that has been keeping us in this drier weather pattern will begin its shift eastward today, allowing for an increase in moisture across the region that will continue into the weekend. Most should remain dry, however, yet again Thursday, with just a small chance for afternoon showers and storms in the mountains. It will be another hot one today as highs soar back into the low 90s for many.

A system approaching from the west will continue its eastward trek Friday, allowing for a chance of afternoon and evening storms. Storms will become likely by the weekend and continue well into next week. Enjoy today's dry weather while it lasts!