Several coastal counties are expected to experience unhealthy heat levels over the weekend.
Chowan, Perquimans and Washington counties are expected to have a maximum heat index of 96 degrees or higher on Saturday.
Supporter Spotlight
Craven, New Hanover, Onslow, Pamlico and Pender counties should plan for the same on both Saturday and Sunday.
The National Weather Service explained that the heat index, also called the apparent temperature, is what the temperature feels like to the human body when relative humidity is combined with the air temperature.
The North Carolina Health and Human Services Climate and Health Program sends out the heat-health alerts when the forecast is projected to reach or exceed the heat index threshold for the region.
Duke Heat Policy Innovation Hub established the region-specific thresholds by using historical heat index data and state records to determine when emergency room visits increased for heat-related illnesses.
“Heat of this magnitude can be dangerous to your health, particularly for people who are more exposed to extreme heat or more sensitive to extreme heat,” which includes those who are pregnant, living with disabilities or underlying health conditions, are without access to air conditioning, who work or exercise outdoors or are older adults, the department stated in a release.
Supporter Spotlight
To prevent heat-related illness, the health department recommends drinking plenty of fluids, avoiding caffeinated, sugary or alcoholic drinks, staying in air conditioning as much as possible, watch for symptoms and stay informed, the department continued.
Visit the health department’s website to sign up for the heat alerts, or for more information on heat-related illnesses and tools to prevent it.
