Michelle Kennedy

This annual movement of air that brings dust from the African continent over the Atlantic Ocean may stay mostly elevated in the atmosphere, but skies may look hazy.

As temperatures rise, so does the heat-related illness risk during the first week of July. Extreme heat alerts may be issued by the holiday weekend.

Highs will climb into the upper 90s around the Piedmont Triad later this week. How are you preparing for the heat?

Feels-like temperatures in the Triad will range in the lower 100s, but remember the heat index is meant for the shade. Heat alerts are in effect across North Carolina and Virginia beginning Thursday.

Find out if the skies will remain clear for fireworks into the weekend. Highs will gradually cool from the lower 100s into the 90s for late evenings through this weekend.

High heat persists Sunday and Monday in North Carolina and Virginia, with feels-like temperatures in the 100s. Afternoon rain may bring a brief cooldown, but isolated storms may become severe on Sunday.

A tropical wave is moving over the Atlantic Ocean and may show signs of tropical development.

Massive Canadian wildfires may bring poor air quality and the smell of smoke into North Carolina and Virginia.

Saturday and Sunday are forecast to be hot and steamy, with highs in the 90s and a risk of severe thunderstorms.

Rain chances are returning to the drought-stricken regions of the Piedmont Triad in North Carolina and Virginia this weekend. Thunderstorms may also become severe on Saturday and Sunday.