ROCKINGHAM — There doesn’t seem to be much relief from the scorching summer heat through the weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Raleigh, the hot and humid conditions across the region will lead to a heat index topping 100 degrees on Thursday.
High temperatures will be in the upper 90s (98 on Saturday and Sunday) with the heat indices expected to reach up to 105.
Some brief respite could come in the form of afternoon thunderstorms and scattered showers.
However, the chances are low: 30 percent Thursday afternoon and evening, before 11 p.m.; 30 percent between 2 and 8 p.m. Friday; 20 percent between 10 a.m. and 11 p.m. Saturday.
Overnight lows in Richmond County are expected to be around 75 degrees.
All counties east of Richmond are currently under a heat advisory for the next several days. Those between U.S. 1 and N.C. 11 are also under an excessive heat watch for the weekend.
Heat indices could hit up to 110 degrees, and overnight lows are not expected to drop below 80 degrees — until just before the sun rises.
“Dangerously high temperatures and humidity could quickly cause heat stress or heat stroke if precautions are not taken,” according to the NWS. “In addition, consecutive days of dangerous heat will continue into the weekend, when the heat wave will reach a peak. Consecutive days of dangerous heat indices have a cumulative (effect) on the body, significantly increasing the potential for heat-related illnesses.”
Those working outside are encouraged to take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning; wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing; and drink plenty of water.
Pets and livestock should also have access to shade and fresh water.
WCTI-TV in New Bern reports that many of the emergency medical incidents at the rally for President Donald Trump in Greenville on Wednesday were heat-related, including the treatment of a police officer.
It’s not just North Carolina trying to beat the heat.
Several states in the Midwest, from western West Virginia to central Kansas and Missouri to southern Michigan, are under an excessive heat warning.
