Potentially dangerous ‘heat event’ is headed to Charlotte region, forecasters say
A heat wave will “engulf” much of North Carolina area next week, and National Weather Service forecasters say it has the potential to be “a near historical heat event bringing very dangerous conditions.”
It is expected to start Wednesday and continue through the Fourth of July holiday weekend, with highs around 100 degrees, and a heat index that could near 110, forecasters say.
Forecast models indicate Charlotte and surrounding counties face the potential for “extreme long-duration heat with little to no overnight relief,” the NWS says.
Even hotter temperatures are forecast in the Raleigh area, where it could hit 107 degrees on Thursday, officials say.
Charlotte will be at or near 100-degrees on Thursday, Friday and the Fourth of July.
“Afternoon highs will reach 4-8 degrees above normal each day starting Monday as the heat really cranks up by Wednesday and Thursday,” the NWS reports.
“Bottom line ... begin preparations now for the potential for highs possibly 100+ for three to four consecutive days, daytime apparent temperatures possibly peaking at 105+ in the Triad, and 105-112 elsewhere Wednesday through Saturday. To make matters worse, overnight lows may have a hard time dropping below 80, with 90 still possible at midnight.”
The potential for heat advisories to be issued is more likely for the Charlotte Metro area than surrounding counties, forecasters say. Such advisories are issued when there is a potential for the heat to become dangerous.
