— Sunday was more than a hot day. It shattered a decades-old heat record.

Almost one week into fall, highs in Raleigh were in the mid 90s on Sunday. By 2 p.m., temperatures in Raleigh had soared past 93 degrees. The record high for Sept. 29 was 92 degrees, set in 1941, according to WRAL meteorologist Kat Campbell.

"The good news is, it's about to come to an end," WRAL meteorologist Mike Maze said. "We have a game-changer on the way."

A front stretching across the Midwest should cross North Carolina by the end of the week, ushering in cool, dry air and fall-like temperatures.

"Friday will have minimal cooling, but the humidity will really drop," Maze said. "The air will have a crisp feel to it."

Before that, however, the region will get one final blast of summer heat.

A "back-door front" kept temperatures in the mid-80s on Monday and will likely do so on Tuesday before a ridge off the west pushes in on Wednesday, bringing intense heat.

A high of 92 degrees is forecast for Wednesday, which could beat the record of 91 degrees set in 1986. Thursday will be even hotter, with a forecast high of 95.

By the weekend, highs will drop into the 70s.

Records show the latest recorded 90 degree day in Raleigh was Oct. 10, 1939, which featured a high of 91 degrees.