This week we may break several temperature records as a major heat wave sweeps through our region, with triple digit temperatures and potential heat indexes of over 110 degrees.
The National Weather Service has now issued the following urgent warning for the Charlotte region:
Gaston-Mecklenburg-Cabarrus-Union NC-York-Chester- Including the cities of Gastonia, Charlotte, Concord, Kannapolis, Monroe, Trinity, Indian Trail, Weddington, Catawba, Rock Hill, Chester, Cornwell, and Great Falls 331 AM EDT Mon Jun 13 2022 ...HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING... ...EXCESSIVE HEAT WATCH IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH TUESDAY EVENING... * WHAT...For the Heat Advisory, heat index values up to 105 expected. For the Excessive Heat Watch, dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 110 possible. * WHERE...In North Carolina, Gaston, Mecklenburg, Cabarrus and Union NC Counties. In South Carolina, York and Chester Counties. * WHEN...For the Heat Advisory, from noon today to 8 PM EDT this evening. For the Excessive Heat Watch, from Tuesday afternoon through Tuesday evening. * IMPACTS...Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Monitor the latest forecasts and warnings for updates on this situation. Be prepared to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air- conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. This is especially true during warm or hot weather when car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.
The hottest temperatures will be seen around South Charlotte, Mount Holly, and parts of York County:
Today will be the start of a hot and humid period. Near record highs and humid conditions will cause Heat Index values to rise over 100 degrees across much of the area outside of the mountains today. #ncwx #scwx #gawx pic.twitter.com/7KaSe0NeTl
— NWS GSP (@NWSGSP) June 13, 2022
Heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in most years. Protect yourself during excessive heat and stay #WeatherReady. https://t.co/yAxFEabAET #scwx #ncwx #gawx pic.twitter.com/BmohoyZWmW
— NWS GSP (@NWSGSP) June 13, 2022
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!
