At Forest Hills Park, some families spent the evening hours in the shade, hoping for relief as temperatures remained high even after sunset.
"Definitely finding a shady spot in a blanket and once the splash pads turn on will probably be here during the evening hours," one parkgoer said. Even later in the day, the heat lingered.
"Yeah, definitely. A lot of water, a lot of shade bug spray and yeah, that's it. And taking water breaks."
Some families expressed frustration that the splash pad had not yet been turned on, instead relying on shaded areas while children played soccer. "I feel like I'm dying every time we play soccer," Angel of Durham said.
"I'm so tired, because it's hot outside," added Elio of Durham. Their mother said she has been closely watching them while keeping a cooler stocked with water.
Health experts say those precautions are critical as temperatures rise. According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), people should:
- Stay hydrated by drinking more water than they think they need.
- Limit time outdoors by wearing light clothing and avoiding peak heat hours between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Seek air-conditioned spaces such as malls or libraries if temperatures reach 95 degrees and they do not have access to cooling at home.
NCDHHS says people should know and recognize early signs of heat-related illness, including muscle cramps, excessive sweating and dizziness, which can signal dangerous conditions developing quickly.
With more extreme heat expected in the coming days, families across Durham and central North Carolina are bracing for continued high temperatures and taking steps to stay safe outdoors.
Don't Forget the Pets
If it's too hot for you, it's too hot for them.
Don't walk them in the hottest part of the day. Place your hand on the cement before you walk your pet. If it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for their paws.
Make sure they have lots of water available as well. If it's hot, they will drink more.
Finally, never leave your pet in a car, even if you leave it running. If that car malfunctions, your pet could be in trouble very quickly.