Get ready for some serious heat. Moore County will have an extended heatwave starting today that could bring some of the hottest temperatures the area has seen in over a decade. The sweltering weather is expected to last through the entire week, with temperatures approaching or even surpassing record highs.
The heat has prompted the National Weather Service to issue an Extreme Heat Watch for Tuesday morning through Wednesday evening across all of central North Carolina.
This comes in addition to a Heat Advisory already in effect from 11 a.m. Monday through 10 a.m. Tuesday.
Forecasts call for daytime highs in the mid to upper 90s and low 100s throughout the week. And that’s not the “feels like” temperature — that’s the actual thermometer reading. Once you factor in humidity, it will feel even hotter, with heat index values soaring well into the triple digits.
“This is serious heat,” Ethan Clark of North Carolina’s Weather Authority said. “Some models show highs as extreme as 105° in the area midweek. Even the more conservative estimates are placing highs above 100° in central parts of the state.”
With little to no rain or storms in the forecast over the next 5 to 7 days, the hot and sunny conditions will offer no relief.
Overnight lows will only dip into the 70s and low 80s, making it difficult for residents to cool off — even after the sun goes down.
COUNTY TO OPEN COOLING STATION
In response to the dangerous heat, Moore County officials will open a temporary cooling station at the Moore County Sports Complex, located at 155 Hillcrest Park Lane in Carthage.
The cooling station will be available Monday, June 23 through Friday, June 27, from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. each day, providing residents a short-term, safe reprieve from the extreme heat.
Animals are not permitted inside county facilities, with the exception of service animals performing their duties. Additionally, residents can cool off at the Splash Pad located at the Sports Complex, which will be open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
SAFETY TIPS
Health officials urge everyone to take precautions:
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
- Avoid outdoor activities during peak afternoon hours
- Check on the elderly, children, and pets
- Seek out air-conditioned spaces when possible
This week’s dangerous heat serves as a reminder of how quickly summer conditions can become hazardous. Stay cool, stay safe — and don’t underestimate the power of the sun.