With temperatures forecast to soar across the Carolinas, Charlotte-Mecklenburg officials are activating a network of cooling resources to protect vulnerable residents during the extreme heat expected June 24 and 25.

The National Weather Service predicts dangerous heat indices early in the week, prompting local government agencies, health officials, and homeless service providers to coordinate efforts to minimize heat-related illness.

Health Officials Urge Caution

Mecklenburg County Public Health advises residents to limit outdoor activity, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, and wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. High-risk groups include older adults, children, pregnant individuals, outdoor workers, people with heart or lung conditions, and residents living in dense urban areas.

Heat-related illness can escalate quickly but is preventable. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends early intervention and proper hydration to reduce risks.

Cooling Stations and Free Transit

The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) is offering free rides to designated cooling sites, including day service centers, recreation centers, and spraygrounds.

Day Service Centers for the Unsheltered:

• Roof Above (945 N. College St.): Mon–Fri 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m., weekends/holidays 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

• Block Love Charlotte (2738 N. Graham St.): Mon–Fri 10 a.m.–7 p.m., weekends 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

• The Relatives: On Ramp (2219 Freedom Dr., ages 18–24): Mon–Fri 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Outreach teams will also visit homeless encampments to share resources and provide water.

Recreation and Senior Centers:

• David B. Waymer (Huntersville)

• Eastway Regional

• Ivory/Baker

• Northern Regional (Cornelius)

• Revolution Park Sports Academy

• Tyvola Senior Center

Outdoor Water Access:

Spraygrounds (Open Daily, 10 a.m.–8 p.m.):

• Clarks Creek, Captain Jack, Cordelia Park, First Ward, Latta Park, Nevin Park, Romare Bearden, West Charlotte Rec Center, Veterans Park

Pools and Beach Access:

• Double Oaks Family Aquatic Center: Tues–Sun, Noon–6 p.m.

• Cordelia Pool: Mon, Wed, Fri–Sun, Noon–6 p.m.

• Ramsey Creek Beach: Wed–Sun, Noon–6 p.m.

Public Libraries and Indoor Spaces

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library branches remain open to the public from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, providing additional relief indoors.

Fan Giveaway for Seniors and Adults with Disabilities

Eligible residents 60 and older—or adults receiving disability income—can receive a free box fan while supplies last. Valid ID and proof of residency in Mecklenburg County are required. Call 980-314-6800 or email SFA-Events@MeckNC.gov.

Help With Energy Bills

The Crisis Intervention Program offers assistance for residents facing energy-related emergencies. Those with past due or final notices on utility bills may apply online at MeckNC.gov/Energy or call 704-336-3000. Residents may also dial 211 for the latest updates on rental or utility assistance programs.

Local agencies urge residents to check on neighbors, especially seniors or individuals without air conditioning, and to seek shelter immediately if signs of heat-related illness occur.

As extreme heat grips the Charlotte region this week, Duke Energy is urging residents across North and South Carolina to reduce electricity use this week to prevent strain on the power grid and avoid possible outages.

The utility company issued the advisory as scorching temperatures and high humidity levels drive up air conditioning use and overall energy demand. Officials warned that peak usage during this extreme weather event could stress grid capacity, increasing the risk of isolated service disruptions.

Duke Energy recommended several steps to reduce energy use. Customers are encouraged to raise thermostats to the highest comfortable setting and delay energy-heavy tasks such as laundry and dishwashing until later in the evening or early morning. The utility also advised residents to avoid prolonged use of ovens and electric stoves, which can heat homes and force air conditioning units to work harder.

“We deeply appreciate our customers’ cooperation, patience and understanding as we work to help ensure the stability and reliability of the system,” said Duke Energy VP Ben Harrison in a press release. “We understand that reducing electricity use during these hours can be inconvenient, but our customers’ actions make a significant difference for all.”

To help reduce indoor heat, Duke suggested outdoor grilling as an alternative to cooking indoors. Customers should also turn off unnecessary lights, appliances, and unused devices, especially during peak demand hours.

With the Charlotte region and other parts of the Carolinas facing multiple days of extreme temperatures, Duke Energy emphasized the importance of community participation. The company continues to manage power supplies and monitor the system closely while asking residents to remain alert for any updates.

Customers can find additional energy-saving tips and updates by visiting Duke Energy’s website or following official channels during this ongoing weather event.

Charlotte is entering its hottest stretch of the summer so far, with temperatures nearing triple digits and heat indices exceeding 100 degrees throughout the week.

Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday are expected to be the hottest days, with actual air temperatures reaching the upper 90s to around 100 degrees. Heat index values may approach or exceed 105°F throughout the Charlotte region, likely exceeding Heat Advisory thresholds.

While short bursts of high heat are common during the summer, forecasters note it’s unusual to see such a sustained period of extreme temperatures this early in the season.

This morning, the National Weather Service tweeted that a heat advisory is likely to be issued this week:

♨️Hot and humid again today with heat indices remaining below Heat Advisory criteria (which starts at 105°F).

🥵Tomorrow will be hotter and muggier with locations east of the mountains expected to approach or reach Heat Advisory criteria. #ncwx #scwx #gawx pic.twitter.com/ZODaWStSHf

— NWS GSP (@NWSGSP) June 23, 2025

The elderly, young children, and anyone who suffers from any respiratory conditions, or heart or lung disease should limit their time outside today.

If you’re planning on spending an extended amount of time outside this weekend, make sure you wear breathable clothes and consider getting a small fan, personal air conditioner, or evaporative cooling towel.

Stay safe out there!