Air conditioning problems prompt warm-air alerts in the Mecklenburg County jail
As Charlotte reached a record 101 degrees on Saturday, Mecklenburg County jail officials warned of “warmer-than-usual conditions” in the jail this weekend due to scheduled repairs to the air conditioning system.
Until service is fully restored Monday, the AC is expected to operate at about 45% capacity, according to a sheriff’s office statement Saturday morning.
“We realize this may cause discomfort and inconvenience, and we kindly ask for your patience and cooperation as we work to make these essential repairs,” according to the sheriff’s office media alert.
“Staff will monitor conditions closely and take any necessary steps to support the health and well-being of residents and employees during this brief period,” Sarah Mastouri, sheriff’s office public information manager, said in the alert.
Beginning at 6:30 a.m. Monday, maintenance crews will work “to restore full functionality to the cooling system,” according to the statement. “The A/C is expected to be fully operational by Monday afternoon.”
The actual temperature in the jail wasn’t available Saturday. It also wasn’t known if the repairs were needed due to stress on the system from the hot outdoor weather.
Mastouri didn’t answer the questions in an email to The Charlotte Observer.
“We have additional cooling resources in place, such as industrial cooling fans, and as always, we are closely monitoring the temperature and conditions inside,” she said. “We will adjust to the needs if necessary.”
On Monday afternoon, Mastouri told the Observer that the air conditioning problems were resolved.
Charlotte forecast: No relief from hot temps
Charlotte faces sizzling temperatures through Thursday, according to the 9 p.m. forecast Saturday, and county emergency officials issued heat warnings.
Saturday’s high broke the previous record of 100 degrees for July 26 set in 2005, according to the NWS.
Highs are forecast to hit 101 again on Sunday, 100 on Monday, 98 on Tuesday and 96 on Wednesday and Thursday, according to the NWS Charlotte forecast at 9 p.m. Saturday. Showers and thunderstorms could drop Friday’s high to 88 and Saturday’s to 84, the forecast showed.
NWS heat advisories are in effect for Mecklenburg and surrounding counties from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday and noon Sunday to 2 a.m. Monday.
“With the extreme heat expected this weekend, everyone must take precautions to stay safe, especially older adults who are more susceptible to heat-related health issues,” Charlotte-Mecklenburg Emergency Management officials said on social media site X on Saturday.
Charlotte last hit 100 degrees on June 25, according to the NWS office in Greer, South Carolina.
Staff writer Sydney Sasser contributed to this story.
This story was originally published July 26, 2025 at 3:07 PM.