Rising temperatures and heat-related illnesses pose growing risk
As eastern North Carolina experiences increasing temperatures, residents are urged to take precautions against heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures and inadequate fluid intake can lead to severe health conditions.
"We are potentially seeing a lot of cases that could be related to the heat," said Dr. Dan Minior, Director of Emergency Medicine, UNC Health Lenoir. "We've definitely seen a lot of respiratory conditions like asthma that are being set off by the heat."
Heat exhaustion, characterized by heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, headache, muscle cramps, and fainting, can be prevented by staying hydrated, avoiding excessive heat exposure, wearing lightweight clothing, and taking frequent breaks in cool environments.
The recent weather patterns in North Carolina have shown higher-than-average temperatures. Coastal Plains have ranged from 64°F to 85°F, the Piedmont from 64°F to 86°F, and Mountain Areas from 55°F to 77°F, reflecting a warming trend. Increased humidity levels have led to higher heat indices, making outdoor conditions more hazardous during peak summer months.
Heat index, a measure of how hot it feels when relative humidity is factored in with the actual air temperature, has significant implications for human health. "When the body gets too hot, it begins to perspire or sweat to cool itself off. If the perspiration is not able to evaporate, the body cannot regulate its temperature," said National Weather Service. High humidity decreases the rate of evaporation from the body, making it feel warmer and increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses.
Climate change is contributing to the increasing frequency, intensity, and duration of heatwaves. June 2024 has been notably warmer across North Carolina, aligning with a broader pattern of rising temperatures linked to climate change. Long-term data indicate a consistent increase in average temperatures over the past few decades, with 2024 continuing this trend. This increase is attributed to anthropogenic climate change.
"Number one, stay out of hot humid situations," advised Minior. "Studies have shown even a small amount of time in air conditioning is beneficial."
The National Weather Service (NWS) highlights that heat is one of the leading weather-related killers in the United States, resulting in over a thousand fatalities each year. The NWS has introduced an experimental Heat Risk forecast, which provides a forecast risk of heat-related impacts over a 24-hour period. This takes into consideration factors such as the unusualness of the heat for the time of year, the duration of the heat, and the risk of heat-related impacts based on data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Residents are encouraged to stay informed about weather conditions and take necessary precautions to protect themselves from heat-related illnesses. For more information, the North Carolina State Climate Office offers resources and updates on heat and safety measures.
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