WAYNE COUNTY, N.C. — The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for 14 counties across central North Carolina, warning residents of dangerous heat index values that could reach up to 109 degrees Fahrenheit.

The advisory affects Johnston, Wilson, Stanly, Montgomery, Moore, Lee, Harnett, Wayne, Anson, Richmond, Scotland, Hoke, Cumberland, and Sampson counties, covering the Southern Piedmont, Sandhills, and portions of the Coastal Plain regions.

Heat index values between 105 and 109 degrees are expected from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. today, creating conditions that significantly increase the risk of heat-related illnesses.

Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses, weather officials warned in the advisory. The combination of scorching temperatures and elevated humidity levels creates a dangerous environment where the body’s natural cooling mechanisms become less effective.

Weather forecasters emphasized that the threat extends beyond a single day, noting that multiple days of dangerous heat and minimal overnight relief will compound to make heat related illnesses more likely. The lack of sufficient cooling during nighttime hours prevents residents from recovering from daytime heat exposure, creating cumulative health risks.

Health officials recommend that residents take precautions during the advisory period, including staying indoors during peak heat hours, drinking plenty of water, and checking on vulnerable neighbors and family members. Signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, weakness, nausea, and dizziness, while heat stroke—a medical emergency—can cause confusion, rapid pulse, and loss of consciousness.

The advisory comes as much of the Southeast continues to experience above-normal temperatures, part of a broader pattern of extreme heat affecting millions of Americans this summer.