Triangle will face oppressive heat through Thursday

“It’s going to be oppressively hot over the next couple of days, so we have to be careful especially as we have this prolonged heat the issues start to build up,” WRAL meteorologist Aimee Wilmoth said.

Temperatures won’t drop much overnight Monday, with lows in the upper 70s, and the heat index will top 100 degrees by lunchtime Tuesday, Wilmoth said.

The record high for June 19, set in 1944, is 102 degrees.

Heat advisories have already been issued for eastern and southern counties for 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday. The heat index could climb as high as 109 degrees for some counties under the advisory, Wilmoth said.

On Wednesday, highs will already be in the mid-90s by 11 a.m., Wilmoth said.

The hot weather could produce hit-and-miss thunderstorms over the next several days, but a cold front on Thursday could bring significant rain that would drop temperatures back into the 80s by Friday.

The cool down won’t last, however, with temperatures expected to climb back into the 90s by the weekend.

Help with the heat

“This is some heat that’s going to stick around for a while,” Wilmoth said.

Wilmoth said long-term models show the heat continuing, with above average temperatures predicted for a majority of the country.

Surviving the heat can be as easy as a little planning ahead and common sense.

Prepare your home

- Stay cool and save money by setting the thermostat to a comfortable level. Duke Energy Progress recommends 78 degrees. Every degree above 78 degrees will reduce cooling costs by 3 percent to 6 percent.

- Be sure your cooling system is working efficiently. Check filters, and make sure air-conditioning vents are not obstructed.

- Close the drapes on the sunny side of the house to help keep the temperature down inside the home.

- Be aware of heat exhaustion and serious heat illness, and know the signs, including headaches, excessive sweating, no sweating, rapid pulse, dizziness, nausea, muscle cramps, confusion, fever and fatigue. Seek medical help immediately if you experience any of these symptoms

- Those most at risk for heat exhaustion include the very young and the very old, as well as anyone who is obese or on medications, such as antihistamines, diuretics or beta blockers.

- Stay out of the heat, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when it's usually the hottest and the heat is the most intense.

- If you have to be outside, take frequent breaks.

- Stay hydrated by drink plenty of liquids, preferably water or a sports drink with electrolytes. Don't wait until you are thirsty.

- Wear loose clothing, and instead of a baseball hat, which only covers the front of the face, wear a broad-rim hat that also covers the neck and shoulders.

- Limit your pet's exercise to early mornings and evenings.

- Remember that asphalt becomes very hot, which can burn tender foot pads. Keep fresh water handy, and ensure that cooling shade is always nearby.

- Never leave a pet in a parked car, even with the windows rolled down. Dehydration, heat stroke and even brain damage to the dog or cat can occur.

- Check on pets frequently, and make sure they always have fresh water and access to shade.