We’re wrapping up the day for you with the most important stories you need to know and your weather outlook. 

Your Weather Planner

Temperatures were actually a bit more comfortable as we wrapped up spring and began summer on Friday. But those numbers are not going to stick around. The first full day of summer on Saturday will be hotter and the first weekend of summer will see above average daytime highs across the region.

Skies will be mostly clear to partly cloudy tonight with some areas of fog possible.

Saturday will be mostly sunny to partly with highs mainly in the 90s across eastern North Carolina. We may see a few showers develop along the sea breeze front on Saturday afternoon. Even hotter daytime highs are on the way for Sunday.

Get the full forecast for areas across the state: Charlotte | Triad | Triangle | Coastal | Mountains

Today's Big Stories

1. North Carolina summers are getting hotter

June, July and August have always brought the hottest weather of the year to North Carolina. However, in recent decades, the summer months have been getting hotter in the state. North Carolina is not alone in that trend. A recent analysis by Climate Central found the majority of the country is experiencing hotter summers compared to the last several decades. This all comes as the planet is getting warmer due to increasing greenhouse gas emissions like carbon dioxide.

2. Strong storms leave damage in their wake across parts of N.C.

A couple of waves of intense storms that developed ahead of an incoming cold front made their way across portions of North Carolina Thursday. The storms produced damaging wind gusts and instances of flash flooding, according to Spectrum News 1 meteorologists. Caldwell, northern Iredell and Catawba counties were some of the hardest hit in western North Carolina.

3. Search warrants: Suspects planned Catawba Co. mass shooting on social media

Newly released search warrants are shedding light on how investigators say gunmen planned a mass shooting at a pool party in Catawba County. A man was killed and 11 others were injured in the shooting early on June 1. 

4. 2 killed in Harnett small plane crash, highway patrol says

A single-engine plane crashed Friday morning in Harnett County, killing both on board, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol said. The Pitts Aerobatics S-2B went down next to a business about 9 a.m. at 162 Holly Springs Church Road in Broadway, Sgt. Marcus Bethea said in a news release.

5. Rescue Mission's new $25 million campus dedicated to helping women and children

Homelessness rose 19% across the state from 2023 to 2024, according to an assessment report from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. That’s why the Raleigh Rescue Mission said they made the effort to open The Garden. It’s a campus for women and children, and the campus is set to increase the capacity five-fold, according to the organization. With a planned location at 5200 Knightdale Eagle Rock Road, the campus’ price tag is around $25 million.

Your Notes for the Weekend

Saturday, June 21

  • Summer Solstice - longest day of the year and the first day of summer
  • Blue Origin rocket launch, carrying private tourists into space 
  • Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders continues Fighting Oligarchy tour in Louisiana and Oklahoma
  • Prince William celebrates 43rd birthday
  • Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards 2025

Sunday, June 22

  • Tesla Robotaxi service "tentatively" launches
  • Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders and Dem Rep. Greg Casar speak at Fighting Oligarchy rallies in Texas
  • Broadway Bares, annual charity burlesque show this year titled "Come Out, Come Out"

 

Though it will be a hot June weekend across the state, there will still be plenty of events for many in the region to enjoy. The Queen City is already playing host to heroes of all kinds at the annual HeroesCon. It’s the largest comic book convention in North Carolina. Boonerang is taking over Boone. Raleigh’s got Pride this weekend, and Juneteenth celebrations will be going on all over the state as well.