Excessive heat hits the Triangle

Triangle residents looked for ways to beat the heat Monday as temperatures soared toward the triple digits.

"The high was 99 degrees Monday," WRAL Chief Meteorologist Greg Fishel said. "The record was 104 set two years ago."

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There was no rain on Monday to break the heat, but Tuesday could bring a few isolated storms.

"We do have a light at the end of the tunnel. By Wednesday, a front comes in, and our temperatures should be noticeably cooler," WRAL meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner said.

"As we head toward the end of this week, there will be a tropical feed coming off the ocean," Fishel said. "That means more clouds, more storms and less heat."

"If we get through the heat to Wednesday, the chance for thunderstorms reaches about 70 percent," Fishel said.

Agencies offer aid as temperatures soar

In an effort to keep people cool, Raleigh's Helping Hand Mission has given away more than 400 fans and air conditioning units this summer.

The Wake County Human Services Department offers vouchers for fan purchases and free, used air conditioners to eligible households through the Cool 4 Wake program. This summer, Wake County has spent $80,344 in aid to 396 households, said Wil Glenn, public affairs manager. That is almost double the amount spent a year ago, he said.

Glenn said an average of 60 people per day apply for emergency financial assistance, including help with power bills. Households with income up to 150 percent of the poverty level can get help if they qualify. Call 919-212-7000 for guidelines.

High temperatures sideline student athletes

Raleigh’s Ravenscroft varsity football players ran drills inside Monday due to the severe heat. The move indoors was a bit of a practice setback, according to the coach.

"You can't mirror what you do on a Friday night with the heat unless you are out there doing it," coach Ned Gonet said.

Wake County schools must follow guidelines for athletic practices during hot weather, such as monitoring the humidity and temperature to extrapolate what the weather really feels like to an athlete. Athletic trainer Michelle Piette's heat index monitor reached 104 degrees around practice time Monday.

"That's an extremely dangerous situation for anybody,” Piette said.

So, Piette kept the Ravenscroft players off the field. At Raleigh’s Enloe High School, the players did hit the field but wore shorts and T-shirts.

"When you have hundreds of athletes out on fields, all it takes is one, and we certainly don't want to have even just one," Piette said.