Sweltering temps dangerous for people and pets

A heat advisory will go in effect for Wake County and surrounding areas at 11 a.m.

Posted 9:42 a.m. Jun 19, 2018 — Updated 3:17 p.m. Jul 13, 2018

Jessica Patrick

, WRAL.com editor

RALEIGH, N.C. — A heat advisory went into effect for Wake County and surrounding areas at 11 a.m., and health officials are cautioning people to stay indoors and take care of their pets, too.

Cumberland, Edgecombe, Franklin, Halifax, Harnett, Hoke, Johnston, Nash, Sampson, Scotland, Warren, Wayne and Wilson counties are also under the advisory, which expires at 8 p.m.

According to the National Weather Service, although temperatures will reach the upper 90s on Tuesday, heat indexes will be as high as 110 degrees, and the heat and humidity may cause stress during outdoor activities or extended exposure.

To protect yourself from the heat, drink plenty of water, stay in air-conditioned rooms, stay out of the sun and check in on relatives and neighbors.

Dogs should be kept inside during the hottest part of the day and given plenty of shade and water. People who work outside should wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing and take frequent breaks. Senior citizens, children and people with respiratory issues will be most at risk for heat-related illness.

"It's really not a good day to be outside, unless you're in a pool," said WRAL meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner. "There's not a very good chance of a storm today, which would cool things down."

According to Gardner, the heat will last through Thursday at least.

Wednesday and Thursday will also be sweltering, with highs in the upper 90s. There is an increased chance for afternoon storms both days before temperatures drop back into the 80s for Friday.

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