ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — Thursday's high temperature of 92 degrees tied for the third-warmest July Fourth on record for Asheville, as the area continues to be in a moderate drought.

The warm and muggy pattern continues Friday, with temperatures once again reaching the 90s. With humidity factored in, it will feel like the triple digits in the Upstate and close to it in the mountains.

On Friday, the North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council said in a news release it had expanded its drought classifications across the state. Ten counties in the Eastern part of North Carolina are now in the severe drought classification. Here in WNC, several are now in the moderate drought classification, including Buncombe, Henderson, Polk and Rutherford counties.

The latest classifications mean 99.98% of the state is now in drought or experiencing abnormally dry conditions. But relief is on the way for our area, as Friday has an increasing chance for rain in WNC. Scattered showers and storms become likely this afternoon. More rounds of rain and storms will continue into the evening time.

The National Weather Service's Storm Prediction Center has issued a low-end risk of severe weather for WNC. The greatest concern would be a few some strong outflow winds coming from the storms.

More of the same is in store in the weekend forecast, with a 50% chance of afternoon showers and storms both days. Temperatures will be a bit cooler, but not by much, as highs are expected to be 87 on Saturday and Sunday.