RALEIGH, NC
— The
National Weather Service in Raleigh
has issued a
Hazardous Weather Outlook
for
central North Carolina
, warning residents of an
intensifying heatwave
set to begin Friday and persist well into next week. Forecasters are urging the public to prepare for
heat index values between 100°F and 110°F
, along with minimal overnight relief.
Heat Wave Poses ‘Major to Extreme’ Health Risk
According to the
NWS outlook
, the region is entering a
prolonged period of dangerous heat
, with temperatures expected to climb into the
mid to upper 90s
and heat index values soaring to
near 110°F
in some areas. The combination of high humidity and hot days — with
little cooling overnight
— presents a
“major to extreme risk” for heat-related illness
, especially for outdoor workers, children, and the elderly.
“Hot temperatures, high humidity, and minimal overnight relief will result in a major to extreme risk of heat-related illnesses,” the
NWS Raleigh
alert states.
The
official forecast
shows clear skies and rising heat from
Friday through early next week
, signaling a stretch of unrelenting summer conditions.
Precautions Advised as Temperatures Climb
Although no severe storms are expected at this time,
public health officials and meteorologists
are emphasizing early preparation. Residents are urged to:
-
Stay hydrated
, drinking water frequently throughout the day -
Limit outdoor activity
during peak heat hours (12 p.m. – 6 p.m.) -
Use air conditioning or visit cooling centers
-
Never leave children or pets in parked vehicles
-
Wear light, loose-fitting clothing
Officials also noted that
heat spotter activation is not expected
, but residents should remain vigilant and check
updated advisories from NWS Raleigh
as conditions evolve.
More details and forecast updates are available via the
National Weather Service’s local alert page
.
How is your community staying cool during the heat wave? Share photos, safety tips, or cooling resource info with the Saluda Standard-Sentinel.
