Extreme Heat Wave Expected to Hit Randolph County This Weekend

ASHEBORO, N.C. (ACME NEWS) — A prolonged and potentially dangerous heat wave is set to impact Randolph County starting this Saturday, with the National Weather Service (NWS) in Raleigh issuing alerts for extreme heat risk expected to last into next week.

According to the NWS, heat index values could exceed 110°F this weekend triggering excessive heat warnings. This level of heat is considered very dangerous, especially for those without access to air conditioning or adequate hydration.

“This heat will affect everyone,” the NWS stated in its Thursday morning briefing. “For people without effective cooling, this level of heat can be deadly.”

A 2023 CDC report found that emergency department visits for heat-related illness surged that year, particularly during the months of July and August, with the Southeast — including North Carolina — among the hardest-hit regions.

Key findings from that report said that males aged 18–64 had the highest rates of heat-related emergency visits, children, the elderly, pregnant women, and outdoor workers are also at elevated risk. Heat-related illness emergency room visit rates in July–August were more than triple those in other summer months.

“Extreme heat is not just uncomfortable — it’s a serious public health issue,” said Ambarish Vaidyanathan, lead author of the CDC study. “We’re seeing more people in the ER every year because of it.”

Beyond the health risks, the upcoming heat wave could also strain the power grid and drive up energy bills. On June 23rd, Duke Energy issued an advisory urging customers in the Carolinas to reduce electricity use during peak demand hours to help ease the load on the grid and prevent potential outages. 

Similar temperature extremes last winter offer a look at what may be coming: between December 2024 and January 2025, frigid temperatures led to a 169% increase in energy usage, causing the average customer’s bill to jump by 52%, according to data obtained by Acme News. With extreme heat forecasted to last through at least Wednesday, residents should be prepared for another spike in energy bills.

Officials and public health agencies are urging residents to take precautions, including:

- Stay indoors during the hottest part of the day (typically 2–6 p.m.)
- Drink water frequently — don’t wait until you’re thirsty
- Never leave children or pets in a vehicle, even for a short time
- Check on elderly neighbors, especially those without A/C
- Avoid walking dogs on hot pavement to prevent paw injuries

Residents are encouraged to know the signs of heat-related illnesses, which can escalate quickly if not treated. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, weakness, nausea, dizziness, headache, muscle cramps, and pale or clammy skin. If these occur, move to a cool place, loosen clothing, sip water, and apply cool compresses. More serious is heat stroke, a medical emergency marked by a high body temperature (103°F or higher), hot and red or damp skin, a rapid pulse, confusion, or loss of consciousness. If heat stroke is suspected, call 911 immediately, move the person to a cooler location, and try to reduce their body temperature with cool cloths or a bath — but do not give them anything to drink.