How to stay safe during extreme heat in Charlotte
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Local leaders are advising caution due to extreme heat hitting Charlotte this week.
Why it matters: Temperatures are forecast to hit the upper 90s through Wednesday, with a heat index of over 100 degrees, according to our news partners at WBTV. This can lead to heat-related illness.
- Those at high risk include people over age 65, children, pregnant women, people with heart or lung conditions and people who work outside.
State of play: Mecklenburg County, the City of Charlotte, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Emergency Management and organizations serving Charlotte's homeless have activated additional resources through Wednesday, June 25, to help protect the area's high-risk residents.
- The Charlotte Area Transit System will provide free rides to designated cooling stations, which can be found here. Cooling stations include day services centers, recreation centers, senior centers and spraygrounds.
- Charlotte Mecklenburg Library locations are another free option to avoid the heat.
Zoom in: Over the next few days, Mecklenburg County Public Health advises limiting physical activity outside, staying hydrated, wearing lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing outdoors, limiting alcohol consumption and staying in a cool environment.
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Zoom out: The county is also offering free box fans to those who qualify and providing energy bill assistance.
The big picture: Heat waves in Charlotte and across the country are becoming longer, more intense, and more frequent, according to new EPA data.