Raleigh, N.C. – Sweltering heat will blanket central and eastern North Carolina Tuesday as a dangerous heat advisory remains in effect for the Raleigh-Durham region, Sandhills, and the Coastal Plain until 8 p.m. Residents in cities including Durham, Fayetteville, and Rocky Mount could face heat index values as high as 109°, making outdoor activities especially risky.
According to the National Weather Service in Raleigh, the heat advisory covers the eastern Piedmont, Sandhills, and much of the Coastal Plain from 10 a.m. through 8 p.m. Tuesday. Most areas will remain dry, but isolated afternoon storms could bring strong wind gusts and heavy rainfall, mainly north and east of the Triangle.
Specific hot spots include 109° heat index in Raleigh, Fayetteville, and Smithfield; 106° in Durham and Wilson; and 105° or higher from Rocky Mount to Goldsboro and Southern Pines. Cities west of the Triangle, such as Greensboro and Lexington, will still feel heat index values near 100°.
Residents are urged to avoid outdoor exertion, hydrate frequently, and spend time in air-conditioned spaces if possible. Check on elderly neighbors and pets, and never leave children or animals unattended in vehicles. Heat like this can trigger power outages or health emergencies, similar to last July’s record-breaking streak.
The heat advisory remains in effect through Tuesday evening, with another update expected by Wednesday morning.
