— Soaring temperatures and high humidity on Wednesday is making for one of the hottest day of the year so far in central North Carolina.

A heat advisory was in effect early Wednesday morning for counties stretching from Cumberland in the south, through Wake County and into the northeast corner of the state. Temperatures will climb to 97 degrees in the hottest part of the day and simmer to 75 in the coolest.

The widespread advisory lasted until 7 p.m., as the heat index reached nearly 105 degrees.

"It was hot yesterday, hot today, hot tomorrow," said WRAL meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner. "(The National Weather service) decided to go ahead and issue (the heat advisory). I imagine we'll see one again tomorrow and possibly Friday, too."

"If you have to be outside, be careful and drink lots of water, and take breaks in the shade," Gardner said.

Skies will stay mostly dry through the night on Wednesday, but WRAL Chief Meteorologist Greg Fishel said overnight weather should remain hot and muggy.

If those storms do develop, they could bring a bit of relief from the sweltering heat.

As Wake County braces for heat indexes of 100 degrees or more over the upcoming days, Raleigh Rescue Mission is implementing a "White Flag" program in the coming weeks to protect unsheltered residents experiencing heat exhaustion.

When temperatures reach 96 or above, the Mission, located at 314 E. Hargett St. in Raleigh, will bring people inside to cool down and refer them to medical help. A cooler filled with water will also be placed outside the Mission's door.

"Our intense heat continues today, tomorrow and Friday," Gardner said. "The National Weather Service will probably issue that heat advisory again."