Brace for a Hot Summer: WNC Urged to Prepare for Above-Normal Temperatures

WNC --  Residents of Western North Carolina (WNC) should prepare for a summer that is very likely to be hotter than normal, according to warnings from leading meteorological and public health experts.

Both the National Weather Service's Climate Prediction Center (CPC) and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) are advising vigilance and offering resources to help communities stay safe amidst the anticipated heat.

A Summer of "Overwhelmingly Above Normal" Heat Predicted
The National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center's outlooks for Summer 2025 indicate a 40 to 50 percent chance that temperatures across North and South Carolina will rank among the warmest one-third of previously observed summer seasons. Forecasters are calling for "overwhelmingly above normal" heat across the entire nation, with no region expected to experience a cooler-than-average summer.

Several factors are contributing to this outlook:

Ongoing Climate Change: Experts emphasize that a warming climate increases the likelihood of consistently above-normal seasonal temperatures. The years 2023 and 2024 were globally the two warmest on record, and 2025 is trending to continue that pattern.
Warm Sea Surface Temperatures: Unusually warm ocean waters along the Southeast coast are also playing a significant role in the warmer forecast.

ENSO Neutral Phase: The current neutral phase of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) means its influence on temperatures is minimal, allowing other warming factors to dominate.

While mountainous regions typically offer some respite from extreme heat, climatologists acknowledge that Western North Carolina will still feel the effects of this warming trend. The anticipated impacts include potentially higher cooling bills, an increased risk of wildfires (despite recent rains helping conditions), and a greater danger of heat-related illnesses and fatalities. Interestingly, despite the heat, CPC outlooks also suggest an increased likelihood of above-normal rainfall, which could help alleviate drought conditions.

NCDHHS and Duke University: Your Partners in Heat Safety

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), in close collaboration with Duke University's Heat Policy Innovation Hub and the NC State Climate Office, is at the forefront of public health efforts to combat extreme heat. They utilize a sophisticated Heat Health Alert System to warn residents when heat conditions reach unhealthy levels.

Key features and resources from NCDHHS and Duke University:

Localized Heat Alerts: The NCDHHS system sends out email alerts when the forecast heat index for a specific county is projected to reach dangerous levels. For Western North Carolina (NCDETECT Region 6), this critical threshold is a heat index of 94°F. This threshold was scientifically determined by analyzing historical heat data and heat-related illness emergency department visits in the region.

Sign Up for Alerts: Residents are strongly encouraged to sign up for these vital heat health alerts directly through the NCDHHS website's NC Climate and Health team webpage (available in both English and Spanish).

Heat Action Plan Toolkit: NCDHHS, in partnership with NCORR, the NC State Climate Office, and Duke University, has developed a Heat Action Plan Toolkit. This comprehensive resource provides local governments and community partners with guidance, templates, public outreach materials, and protocols for establishing cooling centers and other heat relief measures.

Heat-Related Illness Surveillance: NCDHHS maintains a Heat-Related Illness Surveillance System from May through September, tracking emergency department visits for heat-related illnesses to provide timely public health data and identify areas of concern.

Operation Fan Heat Relief: This annual program, running through October 31, 2025, provides free fans and, in some cases, air conditioners to eligible low-income individuals, seniors (60+), and those with disabilities. Information on eligibility and participating locations can be found on the DHHS website.

Heat Awareness Week: Governor Josh Stein recently proclaimed May 25-31, 2025, as North Carolina Heat Awareness Week, emphasizing the importance of preparation and awareness.

Duke University's Heat Policy Innovation Hub: Beyond its collaboration on the alert system, Duke's hub conducts vital research into the impacts of heat, particularly in rural and coastal communities, and works to inform policy and develop innovative solutions. They are developing an interactive, web-based tool to help policymakers plan for extreme heat and have highlighted that rural areas, like much of WNC, can experience some of the highest rates of heat-caused health issues.

Staying Safe This Summer

With the forecast pointing to a significantly hotter summer, it's crucial for everyone in Western North Carolina to prioritize heat safety.

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water, even if you don't feel thirsty.
Limit Outdoor Activity: Avoid strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day (typically 11 AM to 4 PM).
Seek Cool Environments: Spend time in air-conditioned spaces, if possible. Utilize local cooling centers when available.
Dress Appropriately: Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing.
Check on Vulnerable Individuals: Regularly check on elderly neighbors, young children, individuals with chronic illnesses, and those without air conditioning.
Recognize Heat Illness Symptoms: Be aware of the signs of heat exhaustion (heavy sweating, pale skin, muscle cramps, dizziness, nausea) and heatstroke (hot, red skin, rapid pulse, confusion, unconsciousness). Seek immediate medical attention for heatstroke.

By staying informed and taking proactive steps, Western North Carolina can navigate the upcoming summer safely and effectively.

WNCTimes

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