Raleigh, North Carolina – The National Weather Service has issued an updated heat advisory valid from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, July 18, affecting much of central and eastern North Carolina. The alert was released at 12:27 a.m. by the NWS Raleigh office, warning of dangerously high heat index values that could reach up to 107°F (41.6°C).
The advisory includes Granville, Vance, Warren, Halifax, Orange, Durham, Franklin, Nash, Edgecombe, Chatham, Wake, Johnston, Wilson, Moore, Lee, Harnett, Wayne, Scotland, Hoke, Cumberland, and Sampson counties.
According to the NWS, the combination of high humidity and soaring temperatures is expected to create dangerous heat conditions, significantly increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses, especially for those who are working outdoors, the elderly, children, and people with underlying health conditions.
The heat advisory remains in effect through 8 p.m. this evening, with daytime highs likely reaching the upper 90s°F (32–37°C) and heat index values exceeding 105°F (40.5°C) across multiple areas, especially around Wake, Durham, and Cumberland counties.
As the hot, humid air mass remains locked over North Carolina, conditions will feel oppressive even in the shade. The urban core of Raleigh, along with Fayetteville, Rocky Mount, and Wilson, could experience some of the most intense heat stress during the early afternoon hours.
NWS meteorologists urge residents to take this advisory seriously, noting that heat stroke and heat exhaustion can set in quickly under these conditions. Stay indoors, preferably in air-conditioned spaces, and avoid prolonged sun exposure during peak hours.
