NWS: Heat index to remain in triple digits most of week

ROCKINGHAM — While a heat advisory remains in effect for the rest of Monday, the National Weather Service in Raleigh has already issued another for Tuesday.

That will make four consecutive days most of central North Carolina has been under an advisory.

Areas east of U.S. 1, along the I-95 corridor, are under an excessive heat warning.

During Monday morning’s briefing, Dan Lyons with the NWS said “dangerously hot temperatures” are expected across the area.

“It was no walk in the park over the weekend … it was downright miserable outside,” he said. “And that’s going to continue to be the case for a good majority of the week.”

With temperatures in the mid-90s, heat index values are expected to remain in the triple digits for the next few days, though it will be a few degrees cooler in the Sandhills than other areas to the north and east.

The heat index for Rockingham on Monday was expected to reach 106 degrees and had hit 105 by mid-afternoon.

“It is summer in North Carolina and everyone knows it can get hazy, hot and humid, but this week in particular is going to be problematic,” Lyons said. “If there’s anything going on outdoors, take it easy, try and avoid the heat of the day. We’re going to be in this for a while.”

Forecasters warn that the high humidity could cause heat-related illness and issued the following recommendations:

• Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. 
• Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.
• Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. 
• Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. 
• Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. 
• To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 911.
  

While there is a chance for afternoon storms throughout the week, Lyons said forecasters don’t anticipate widespread severe weather or flooding.

“Storms are going to be pretty hit-and-miss,” he said.