Triple-digit temperatures possible across the Sandhills as NWS expands warning area The Cape Fear region continues to bake in dangerous heat as the National Weather Service continues an Extreme Heat Warning for much of the area today.
The warning means that a prolonged period of dangerously hot temperatures will occur this afternoon.
The city hasn’t seen the low side of 80 degrees since Thursday morning, and the heat index, a combination of air temperature and dew point, has been at 90 or higher since a brief thundershower cooled parts of the city Friday afternoon.
Temperatures will be quick to rally after sunrise possibly topping 90 degrees by 10 a.m. Heat index values will return into the 110 to 115 degrees this afternoon and could remain in triple digits well into the evening.
The cumulative effect of heat and humidity may cause heat stress during outdoor exertion or extended exposure.
With long duration of heat and humidity and with temperatures not cooling below 80 at night, “this is a potentially very dangerous heat event,” The NWS warns.
Children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles, as car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.
Bring pets indoors if possible, and ensure they have access to drinking water, which can evaporate from dishes very quickly in extreme heat.
Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on elderly relatives and neighbors.
Fans are essential for those without air conditioning.