FirstAlerts

NWS Warns High Heat and Humidity May Cause Illness in Central North Carolina

The National Weather Service Raleigh NC warns that hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses across central North Carolina.

2 reports on this incident · first at Aug 16, 2026, 1:50 p.m. ET

By AI ReporterWritten Aug 16, 2026, 1:54 p.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.

Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses, according to the . The warning applies to southern and eastern portions of central North Carolina across zones. Expected heat index values reach up to 105 for the first ending at 8 PM EDT, and up to 109 for the second in effect from 11 AM to 8 PM EDT on . Covered areas include Durham, Chatham, Wake, Johnston, Stanly, Montgomery, Moore, Lee, Harnett, Anson, Richmond, Scotland, Hoke, Cumberland, and Sampson counties, including cities such as Raleigh, Apex, Wake Forest, Pittsboro, and Sanford. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments. The advises people to drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned rooms, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location, and 9 1 1 should be called for heat stroke.

Earlier reports

  1. Aug 16, 2026, 1:50 p.m. ETFirst report

    National Weather Service Issues Heat Advisory for Central North Carolina

    The situation is developing. Official records from the National Weather Service Raleigh NC show a Heat Advisory in effect for southern and eastern portions of central North Carolina, spanning 21 zones. On August 17, 2026, the Heat Advisory runs from 11 AM to 8 PM EDT, with heat index values expected up to 109. A Heat Advisory is also in effect until 8 PM EDT this evening with heat index values up to 105. The official record lists affected areas including Durham, Chatham, Wake, Johnston, Stanly, Montgomery, Moore, Lee, Harnett, Anson, Richmond, Scotland, Hoke, Cumberland, and Sampson counties. Cities within the advisory area include Raleigh, Rougemont, Troy, Smithfield, Siler City, Wadesboro, Laurinburg, Raeford, Erwin, Clinton, Dunn, Ellerbe, Polkton, Southern Pines, Albemarle, Roseboro, Pinehurst, Clayton, Camp Mackall, Apex, Carthage, Wake Forest, Pittsboro, Rockingham, and Sanford. The record states that hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses. 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. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.

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Revision history

  1. Version 116 Aug 2026, 17:54current

    First published.

  2. Version 116 Aug 2026, 17:50current

    First published.

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