North Carolina Faces Intense Heat Wave Over Fourth of July Weekend
Residents of North Carolina should brace for scorching temperatures this Fourth of July weekend, as a severe heat wave is set to grip the state. With temperatures expected to soar past 100 degrees, coupled with high humidity, the heat index may reach a staggering 110 degrees. In response, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is advising caution for those spending time outdoors or in non-air-conditioned spaces. They emphasize the importance of staying hydrated and being vigilant for signs of heat-related illness.
Between May 1 and June 28, 2026, over 1,808 emergency department visits due to heat-related illnesses have been recorded by NCDHHS, surpassing the average of 1,363 visits from the same period between 2021 to 2025.
Dr. Zack Moore, NCDHHS State Epidemiologist, stated, “Heat-related illnesses can affect anyone, regardless of age or physical condition, so it’s important for everyone to stay alert when spending time outside over the holiday. Recognizing the symptoms of heat illness early is key to preventing serious complications.”
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include dizziness, heavy sweating, and nausea. Those experiencing such symptoms are advised to relocate to a cooler area, drink cool water, and seek medical attention if symptoms persist. Heat exhaustion may progress to heat stroke, a medical emergency characterized by confusion, slurred speech, and loss of consciousness. In such cases, it is critical to call 911, move to a cooler environment, loosen clothing, and use water or ice and cold, wet towels to cool the body.
To mitigate heat-related illnesses, the NCDHHS Heat Health Alert System disseminates alerts when temperatures are forecasted to reach unhealthy levels. From May 1 to June 29 this year, over 692 county-level alerts were issued statewide in both English and Spanish. For more information and to sign up for heat alerts, visit the NCDHHS Climate and Health webpage.
The NCDHHS offers several tips to stay safe in hot weather:
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water and avoid waiting until you’re thirsty. Limit alcohol and caffeine consumption.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid outdoor exercises during peak heat hours. Wear light, loose clothing and take breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.
- Seek air conditioning: If your home lacks air conditioning and temperatures exceed 95 degrees, consider visiting a public building to cool down.
- Watch out for others: Ensure family, friends, and coworkers are staying hydrated and cool.
- Stay informed: Subscribe to NCDHHS heat alerts and keep up with local weather updates to plan outdoor activities safely.
The NCDHHS Division of Public Health continues to offer reports and outreach to minimize the effects of extreme heat. In addition to the Heat-Related Illness Surveillance System and Heat Health Alert System, the NCDHHS Climate and Health Team provides other preventative services:
- Conducting outreach to local health departments and community events to distribute heat health resources and raise awareness of the alert system.
- Creating free shareable educational materials on the dangers of extreme heat.
- Distributing educational materials and heat prevention items like water bottles and cooling towels to at-risk populations.
- Supporting the NC Department of Environmental Quality’s State Resilience Office in the Extreme Heat Cohort Program to develop local heat action plans.
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