Tuesday's High Could Reach Up To 100 Degrees

Posted 5:48 a.m. Jul 18, 2006 — Updated 5:48 a.m. Jul 18, 2006

RALEIGH, N.C. — Temperatures are forecast to approach record levels during the next several days across much of central North Carolina, according to the National Weather Service in Raleigh.

Forecast temperatures range from the upper 90s to around 100. Rising humidity could put heat index values up to 105 degrees in part of the state.

At noon, the temperature at Raleigh-Durham International Airport was at 91 degrees. In other parts of central North Carolina, temperatures ranged from the upper 80s to mid-90s with overall heat index values in the mid-90s.

A heat advisory has not been issued, however, because heat index values remain low because of the low dew point -- the amount of moisture in the atmosphere. The higher the dew point, the hotter it feels.

For a heat advisory to be issued, the heat index would need to reach at least 105 for at least three hours.

Still, state officials have urged residents and visitors throughout the state to take precautions for the heat.

Those most at risk include infants and children up to 4 years old, people 65 or older, people who are excessively overweight or physically ill with conditions such as heart disease or high blood pressure and those who are working outdoors and might overexert during work or exercise.

The North Carolina Departments of Health & Human Services and Crime Control & Public Safety reminded the public on Monday of some tips to help avoid heat-related health problems. Those include:

Do not leave infants, children or pets in a parked car, even for just a few minutes.

Drink plenty of fluids, preferably water, but avoid alcohol and large amounts of sugar. Do not wait until you are thirsty to drink. If exercising or working outside, drink two to four glasses of cool, non-alcoholic fluids each hour.

Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Protect yourself from the sun and keep cool by wearing a wide-brimmed hat along with sunglasses and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher 30 minutes prior to going outside.

Stay indoors and, if at all possible, in an air-conditioned place.

Avoid, as much as possible, using your stove or oven. This will help keep cooler temperatures in your residence.

Have a friend or relative call to check on you twice a day, if you are 65 years old or older, or call and check on someone who is in the age group.

Try to limit outdoor activity to morning and evening hours, if you have to be outdoors. When working in the heat, have plenty of water available and monitor the condition of your co-workers and have someone do the same for you. Heat-induced illness can cause a person to become confused or lose consciousness.

Rising temperatures began making their mark on the Triangle Monday evening when several Triangle firefighters had to be treated for heat exhaustion while battling a fire in Durham County.

Durham city officials also modified its garbage and recycling collection schedules to begin earlier in the day. Residents should place their carts on the curb by no later than 7 a.m. on their collection day. Collection will end at 2:30 p.m.

Temperatures reached more than 100 degrees across the United States on Monday, putting many cities, from Las Vegas to New York, under heat advisories.

In Philadelphia, the power grids had a meltdown on Monday as people ran air conditioners and fans to keep cool. And in New York, there was a record demand for electricity.

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