The National Weather Service in Wilmington issued a heat advisory Monday that will be in effect Tuesday from noon to 8 p.m. for portions of southeastern North Carolina, including both coastal and inland sections of Pender, New Hanover and Brunswick counties, as well as Columbus County.
Who is affected and when
The advisory specifically names the following areas: Inland Pender, Coastal Pender, Inland New Hanover, Coastal New Hanover, Inland Brunswick, Coastal Brunswick and Columbus County. The advisory window is noon to 8 p.m. on Tuesday.
| County / Area | Advisory Time | Expected Heat Index |
|---|---|---|
| Inland Pender | Tuesday, noon–8 p.m. | Up to 107°F |
| Coastal Pender | Tuesday, noon–8 p.m. | Up to 107°F |
| Inland New Hanover | Tuesday, noon–8 p.m. | Up to 107°F |
| Coastal New Hanover | Tuesday, noon–8 p.m. | Up to 107°F |
| Inland Brunswick | Tuesday, noon–8 p.m. | Up to 107°F |
| Coastal Brunswick | Tuesday, noon–8 p.m. | Up to 107°F |
| Columbus County | Tuesday, noon–8 p.m. | Up to 107°F |
Risks and official guidance
The NWS warned that "heat index values up to 107 degrees [are] expected," and that the combination of high heat and humidity "may cause heat illnesses." Those conditions raise the risk of heat exhaustion, heat stroke and other heat-related medical emergencies, especially among older adults, young children, people with chronic medical conditions and those who work or exercise outdoors.
"Heat index values up to 107 degrees expected."
Officials urged residents to take common-sense precautions to limit exposure to extreme heat. The NWS listed several steps individuals can take to reduce risk:
- Consume plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
- Stay in air-conditioned buildings when possible and seek shelter from the sun.
- Check on relatives, neighbors and others who may be vulnerable.
- Never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles; interiors can heat rapidly.
- Reschedule strenuous outdoor activities to early morning or evening when feasible.
- Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and take frequent breaks in shaded or cool areas.
The advisory also referenced workplace safety guidance. To reduce risk for people who work outdoors, agencies and employers should follow Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommendations by ensuring regular rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments. If someone shows signs of heat-related illness, move them to a cool, shaded area and seek emergency help when necessary; call 911 if conditions warrant.
Practical steps for communities and families
Local community centers, libraries and cooling centers often open during heat events to provide air-conditioned space for residents who lack access at home. Residents should check municipal or county websites and social media channels for announcements about cooling centers or modified hours.
People who care for infants, elderly family members or those with chronic illnesses should pay particular attention to hydration and indoor cooling. For those who must be outdoors for work, employers should plan to provide frequent breaks, water and access to shade.
The NWS advisory remains in effect until 8 p.m. Tuesday for the named counties; residents in the affected areas should monitor later updates from the National Weather Service and local health departments for changes or extensions to the advisory.
For immediate life-threatening symptoms of heat stroke — including confusion, fainting, seizure, slurred speech or very high body temperature — seek emergency medical care or call 911.
This story is based on information released by the National Weather Service Wilmington office on Monday at 1:43 p.m.
