Near-record heat Tuesday as temperatures close in on 100
RALEIGH (WTVD) -- A heat advisory is in effect for parts of the ABC11 viewing area Tuesday afternoon and evening as temperatures close in on the record of 100 set in 1986.
The advisory covers the following counties: Cumberland; Edgecombe; Harnett; Hoke; Johnston; Nash; Sampson; Scotland; Wayne; and Wilson. Though the Triangle isn't in the advisory, it will still be dangerously warm so take it easy outside and drink plenty of water. Wearing light-colored clothing will help you to stay cool as well.
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ABC11 Meteorologist Don "Big Weather" Schwenneker says the heat will be coupled with high humidity, leading to potentially dangerous hot conditions over much of the week.
Click here to read tips to help lower your electric bill during heat wave
"A weak front will settle into the area Tuesday night into Wednesday ... it will have little, if any, impact on the heat, but it will spark some cooling showers and thunderstorms in the area," he said. "The bulk of the storms will fire on Wednesday afternoon. We will be in a marginal risk (the lowest category) for severe weather tomorrow from the SPC."
At this point, Schwenneker says it appears as though temperatures will fall somewhat toward the end of the week into next weekend, though they are expected to continue to remain above normal.
Workers cope with the heat
RALEIGH -- In this dangerous heat, the shade doesn't even help you stay cool and many workers have to endure the brutal temps to get their jobs done.
Folks forced to be outside are finding themselves working twice as hard. Not only are they trying to get the job done but also working to stay safe.
"This is the profession we chose, so we got to deal with," said worker Tim Ayers.
All the workers can do with temperatures like this is to drink a lot of water and take extra breaks.
At the Edison construction project in downtown Raleigh, a supervisor is keeping a watchful eye precautions are being taken.
"If he see us not taking breaks, then he is going to write us up," said plumber Rodney Hinton. "We try not to work too fast and get our pulse up. And every time we take a break, we pour water on our wrist to help cool us down."
On Monday, a construction worker was rescued in North Hills. A crane was used to get him down from an upper floor
Raleigh EMS has responded to up to 15 calls per day for heat-related illnesses. A district chief told ABC11 many of those treated are young adults.
"Maybe think they're not necessarily so susceptible to heat like this, and then find out unfortunately the hard way that they are," said EMS District Chief Jeff Hammerstein.
However, for those who are working hard doing the right thing and stay hydrated, they still at times can't handle Mother Nature's wrath.
"I can tell when I'm getting dehydrated because my hands start to cramp. So it's get hot in there," said Hinton.
Health officials says you seek medical help if reaches the point where you start experiencing cramps dizziness or other symptoms.
Twelve people have been hospitalized at WakeMed in the last week-and-a-half.
