ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Summer weather is settling into Western North Carolina, bringing the familiar combination of warm afternoons, building humidity and the daily chance of thunderstorms.

The National Weather Service says Asheville and much of the mountains could see scattered showers and thunderstorms each afternoon through the weekend, with a few storms capable of becoming strong to severe on Saturday and Sunday.

While not everyone will get wet, forecasters say anyone with outdoor plans should pay close attention to the sky. Lightning can strike several miles from the center of a storm, making even distant thunderstorms dangerous.

Friday is expected to start off mostly dry before showers and thunderstorms begin developing after lunchtime. Asheville’s high temperature should reach about 85 degrees, with a 40 percent chance of rain during the afternoon and early evening.

Rain chances increase Saturday, when forecasters expect more widespread afternoon thunderstorms across the mountains. Some storms could produce damaging wind gusts, heavy downpours and frequent lightning as warmer, more humid air moves into the region.

Sunday will bring another chance for afternoon thunderstorms, although the timing and coverage remain uncertain. Highs are expected to climb into the upper 80s in Asheville.

Heat builds next week

After the weekend, the bigger weather story shifts from storms to heat.

A strengthening high-pressure system is expected to push temperatures several degrees above normal across the Southeast. While mountain communities like Asheville won’t be as hot as lower elevations, temperatures will continue climbing through the first half of next week.

Communities east of the mountains, including the North Carolina foothills and Piedmont, could experience heat index values approaching or exceeding 100 degrees by the middle of the week.

Even in the mountains, increasing humidity will make afternoons feel warmer than recent days.

Asheville weekend forecast

  • Friday: Mostly sunny with a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. High near 85.
  • Friday night: A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8 p.m., then partly cloudy. Low around 65.
  • Saturday: A 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly during the afternoon. Partly sunny with a high near 86.
  • Saturday night: A slight chance of evening thunderstorms, then mostly cloudy. Low around 66.
  • Sunday: Partly sunny with a chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. High near 88.

Forecasters recommend staying weather-aware throughout the weekend, especially if you’re hiking, camping or attending outdoor events. If thunder is heard, move indoors immediately and wait at least 30 minutes after the last rumble before heading back outside.