September heat wave builds in <a href="https://healthylife7.com/north-carolina-warns-mobile-petting-zoo-visitors-of-rabies-exposure-after-baby-goats-test-positive/” title=”North Carolina warns mobile petting zoo visitors of rabies exposure after baby goats test positive”>North Carolina | Do you know the heat risk level where you live?
Prepare for highs to rival our previous summer heat waves in the Carolinas and Virginia. Rising heat-illness risks are forecast as highs reach the mid-90s and humidity stays high
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Updated: 7:44 AM EDT Aug 30, 2026Editorial Standards ⓘ
Michelle Kennedy
Meteorologist
Dylan Hudler
Meteorologist
September heat wave builds in North Carolina | Do you know the heat risk level where you live?
Prepare for highs to rival our previous summer heat waves in the Carolinas and Virginia. Rising heat-illness risks are forecast as highs reach the mid-90s and humidity stays high
Updated: 7:44 AM EDT Aug 30, 2026Editorial Standards ⓘ
Michelle Kennedy
Meteorologist
Dylan Hudler
Meteorologist
Rising heat-illness risks are becoming a greater concern as highs reach the mid-90s and humidity stays high during the week before Labor Day. While we’ve seen several heat waves for 2026 so far, this one may be especially challenging. Students are back in school, and there will be a higher heat risk for student athletes, cheerleaders and band members who practice outdoors
Temperature and heat index trend
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services administrators track heat-related illnesses through weekly emergency room reports. For the week of August 16-22, more than 453 people visited hospital emergency departments for heat exposure. This is nearly double the number of visits between July 26 and August 1; at least 235 people were treated for heat illness in North Carolina. During the week of August 2-8, North Carolina reported 210 emergency room visits. The rate of heat illness was highest among males age 15-9 years in the state, but in the Piedmont Triad region, the highest rate was among males 65 years and older.
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Even when temperatures are near normal, the effects of heat and humidity for an individual vary based on several factors, including age, hydration, nutrition, health, and the duration of exposure to hot weather
Keeping student athletes, cheerleaders and musicians safe in the heat
While you may be more familiar with the heat index from our forecasts on TV, did you know that it’s a temperature for what it feels like in the shade? A more accurate gauge of potential heat stress for athletes, workers, and anyone performing activities in full sun is the Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT). WBGT measurements taken near work sites, outdoor football and soccer fields, and courts help guide coaches, band directors, and employers on when to enact mandatory water and cooling breaks and when it’s necessary to suspend outdoor practices.
Take a look at current WBGTs here from the North Carolina Climate Office
HEAT RISK FORECAST MAPS
The heat risk forecast maps below show counties and cities with corresponding heat risk levels. Leading up to the Labor Day weekend, several areas near the North Carolina coast may experience the extreme heat risk level, and the Piedmont region may be included in the major heat risk level. Remember, heat illness can happen even when highs are in the 80s; medical experts ask you to listen to your body, hydrate before heat exposure, and seek cool spaces and shade often
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hot weather causes an increase in heat-related illnesses, including cardiovascular and respiratory complications, renal failure, electrolyte imbalance, kidney stones, negative impacts on fetal health and preterm birth. Researchers at the CDC have tracked thousands of heat-related emergency room visits so far this summer, according to their tracking maps. More heat-related deaths can also happen after the heat wave has passed, as heat exacerbates and/or induces the following:
- Heat stroke and related conditions
- Cardiovascular disease
- Respiratory disease
- Cerebrovascular disease
You can find your full forecast here
The Extreme Heat Dashboard in NC | How does heat impact you?
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