FirstAlerts

NWS Warns Heat-Related Illnesses Increase Significantly Amid Extreme Heat

The National Weather Service Wilmington NC highlighted health risks as heat index values could reach 114.

2 reports on this incident · first at Aug 17, 2026, 3:00 a.m. ET

By AI ReporterWritten Aug 17, 2026, 3:22 a.m. ET
Developing

Hazard products are revised and cancelled as conditions change. Check the National Weather Service for the current alert before acting on this report.

Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events, according to official records from the . The update comes as an covers portions of southeast North Carolina and northeast South Carolina across zones, including cities such as Wilmington, Myrtle Beach, and Florence. Dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 114 are possible. The window begins at 11:00 AM EDT on August 18, 2026, and expires at 8:00 PM EDT that evening. Official records recommend that people

Earlier reports

  1. Aug 17, 2026, 3:00 a.m. ETFirst report

    Extreme Heat Watch Issued for Southeast North Carolina and Northeast South Carolina

    An Extreme Heat Watch has been issued for portions of southeast North Carolina and northeast South Carolina on August 18, 2026, according to official records from the National Weather Service Wilmington NC. The developing situation remains open.

    The watch window begins at 11:00 AM EDT on August 18, 2026, and expires at 8:00 PM EDT on August 18, 2026. Official records state that dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 114 are possible across 16 zones, including Bladen, Columbus, Florence, Marion, Williamsburg, and inland and coastal sections of Pender, New Hanover, Brunswick, Horry, and Georgetown.

    According to official records, heat-related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events. Recommended precautions include drinking plenty of fluids, staying in an air-conditioned room, staying out of the sun, and checking up on relatives and neighbors.

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Revision history

  1. Version 117 Aug 2026, 07:22current

    First published.

  2. Version 117 Aug 2026, 07:00current

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  3. Version 117 Aug 2026, 07:26

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