Live Updates: 4th heat wave of the year grips Central NC; cooling centers open

Central North Carolina remains under a First Alert Day as dangerous heat continues to grip the region.

While hot summer temperatures are common, meteorologists say this stretch of heat has been especially intense because of high humidity and the lack of overnight relief. Even after sunset, temperatures have remained elevated, making it harder for the body to recover from prolonged exposure to the heat.

Dr. Ashley Ward with the Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment and Sustainability, talked with ABC11 about the effects of extreme heat and the risk of heat-related illnesses. Symptoms may not appear immediately and can develop days after a heat wave has ended.

Watch our interview below:

Health experts recommend staying hydrated, limiting strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day and taking frequent breaks in air-conditioned spaces.

Residents are also encouraged to check on older adults, young children and others who may be more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.

A Heat Advisory is in effect from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. for areas south of the Triangle as dangerous heat continues across central North Carolina. High temperatures combined with humidity could push heat index values into the triple digits.

Temperatures have been dangerously high across Central North Carolina the last week and remaining in the 90s this week.

Two counties in the area have decided to extend their cooling center days. This comes as the ABC11 Forecast Team says temperatures could hit the 100s on Friday.

Wake County said Monday their temporary cooling stations will remain open through at least Saturday, July 11.

Wake County Libraries
Remember that closing times for libraries vary, so visitors should check online or call their local library for site-specific information.

Regional Centers and Health and Human Services Centers
Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 5:15 p.m.

• Wake County Health & Human Services, 220 Swinburne St., Raleigh

• Departure Regional Center, 5809 Departure Drive, Raleigh

• Eastern Regional Center, 1002 Dogwood Drive, Zebulon

• Northern Regional Center, 350 E. Holding Ave., Wake Forest

• Southern Regional Center, 130 N. Judd Parkway NE, Fuquay-Varina

• Western Human Services Center, 111 James Jackson Ave., Cary

Sites that are not normally open to the public, such as EMS stations, fire stations and county fleet maintenance buildings, will not be available as cooling stations.

Download the ABC11 App for breaking news and weather alerts

Cumberland County is opening cooling center locations on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Cooling centers locations

Cumberland County Department of Public Health - First Floor Lobby: 1235 Ramsey St., Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
*Masks are required in designated areas and immediately after COVID-19 exposure or infection. Those with health concerns or preexisting conditions are encouraged to wear a mask.

Cumberland County Department of Social Services - Auxiliary Lobby: 1225 Ramsey St., Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
*Masks or face coverings are encouraged for individuals with preexisting conditions.

All eight county libraries
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Friday, Saturday: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sunday (Select Locations): 2 - 6 p.m.
Click on libraries to see specific locations

Fayetteville Area System of Transit (FAST) - Main Lobby: 505 Franklin St., Fayetteville
FAST is open during regular operating hours.

Fayetteville Cares Day Resource Center
128 South King St., Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks & Recreation - Recreation Center Lobbies
Various locations throughout the County.

With temperatures in the mid90s on Monday, families flocked to Gipson Play Plaza at Dix Park to cool off in the water and find relief from the dangerous heat.

Children splashed near the park's waterfall, a popular spot for staying cool. "I come here because it's hot and has a waterfall and it cools you down," said young Maddie Williams of Raleigh. Hazel Kelly added, "I got to play in the sand and make a mermaid."

Parents said one of their biggest concerns is making sure children recognize when they need a break. Health experts warn that heatrelated illnesses can appear quickly, with symptoms including dehydration, low blood pressure and confusion.

"Just keep reminding them every five minutes because they won't do it on their own," said Vanessa Rivera of Raleigh.

With temperatures in the mid‑90s on Monday, families flocked to Gipson Play Plaza at Dix Park to cool off in the water and find relief from the dangerous heat.

Hospitals across the Triangle reported a spike in heatrelated cases. UNC Hospitals treated 50 patients over the weekend, while WakeMed saw eight patients on Monday alone. Parents said they are watching closely for signs of overheating. "We do checkins with the water and ask them if they're thirsty, how are they feeling," said Kate Grimsley of Raleigh. "One of them has asthma. So I said let's check in with your lungs."

In a statement, Dr. Lauren Siewny, medical director for Duke University Hospital's emergency department said, "Extreme heat is a serious and growing health risk, and we expect heat-related illnesses to rise as temperatures climb. These conditions can worsen quickly, especially for older adults, outdoor workers, and people without reliable access to cooling."

Many families said they planned their day around staying cool. "We came to Dix Park. We love it here especially because of the waterfall. It cools you off," said Melissa Williams. "Go see the trolls, maybe go catch some sunflowers and have a quick little lunch and have a good day!"

Medical experts urge anyone experiencing severe symptoms, which includes confusion, fainting, seizures or signs of heat stroke, to go to an emergency department or call 911.