RICHMOND COUNTY — A potentially record-breaking heat wave could impact eastern North Carolina, including Richmond County.
According to weather experts, the heat index is expected to climb above 100 degrees from Wednesday through the Fourth of July weekend, while air temperatures are forecast to reach the upper 90s to around 100 degrees.
An area of high pressure in the upper atmosphere will create a “heat dome” from Wednesday through the weekend, pushing temperatures into the upper 90s and near 100 degrees. Those temperatures could approach daily records Thursday through Saturday.
If you have outdoor plans for the Fourth of July weekend, follow these heat safety tips: Stay hydrated throughout the day, never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles, check on elderly neighbors and relatives, and limit outdoor exercise to the early morning or evening hours.
The extreme heat could lead to heat-related illnesses, including heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.