RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina health officials are sounding the alarm as the state experiences an unprecedented surge in heat-related medical emergencies during what has proven to be an exceptionally dangerous summer season.
Emergency Department Visits Reach Five-Year High
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) has documented more than 3,300 emergency department visits for heat-related illness from May 1 to July 12, 2025 — nearly double the average of 1,675 visits recorded during the same period from 2020 to 2024. This marks the highest number of heat-related emergency visits in the past five years.
“We are seeing more people coming to emergency departments across the state with heat-related illnesses this summer,” said Dr. Zack Moore, NCDHHS State Epidemiologist.
Vulnerable Populations at Greatest Risk
While heat-related illnesses can affect anyone regardless of age or physical condition, certain groups face elevated risks, according to health officials. These high-risk populations include:
- Outdoor workers
- Infants and children
- Older adults
- Pregnant individuals
- Athletes
- Low-income individuals
- People with underlying health conditions
Warning Signs and Symptoms
Health officials emphasize that recognizing heat illness symptoms is crucial for preventing serious complications, including death. Key warning signs include:
- Heavy sweating
- Paleness
- Muscle cramps
- Racing or weak pulse
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Fainting
- Nausea or vomiting
State Response and Alert System
To combat the growing threat, NCDHHS has activated its Heat Health Alert System, which issues warnings when forecasted temperatures reach dangerous levels. From May 1 to July 18, 2025, the system distributed more than 900 county-level alerts in both English and Spanish across North Carolina.
Residents can sign up for heat alerts by visiting the NCDHHS Climate and Health webpage.
Safety Recommendations
State health officials recommend the following precautions during hot weather:
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day without waiting until thirsty. Limit alcohol and caffeine consumption.
Limit Outdoor Exposure: Avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours when possible. Wear light, loose-fitting clothing and take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.
Seek Air Conditioning: When temperatures exceed 95 degrees and air conditioning is unavailable at home, seek refuge in cooler public buildings.
Stay Informed: Monitor heat alerts and local weather forecasts to plan outdoor activities safely.
Comprehensive Prevention Efforts
The NCDHHS Division of Public Health has implemented multiple initiatives to combat extreme heat impacts beyond surveillance and alert systems:
- Distributed 1,300 high-velocity cooling fans to farmworkers statewide and partners in the Sandhills region
- Developed specialized training programs for healthcare providers treating heat-related illnesses in farmworkers, in collaboration with the NCDHHS Office of Rural Health
- Provided educational materials and protective equipment — including water bottles, cooling towels, and hats with heat prevention guidance — to at-risk populations
- Partnered with the NC Department of Environmental Quality to lead the Extreme Heat Cohort Program, helping local governments and organizations develop comprehensive heat action plans
As summer temperatures continue to climb, state officials urge all North Carolina residents to take heat-related health risks seriously and implement recommended safety measures to protect themselves and their communities.
