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Raleigh is forecast to hit 98 degrees Thursday, July 2 and the heat index, how the heat feels, will hit 105 degrees at the start of a dangerous heat wave headed into the Fourth of July weekend.
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The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory from noon to 8 p.m. for most of the Triangle including in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and Cary.
“It’s definitely a not great time to be having a heat wave with all the outdoor activities that we’re having,” said Laura Helock, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Raleigh Office. “Even overnight temperatures are expected to be relatively high, so that won’t help cool down much during the night.”
Temperatures will reach the triple digits starting on Friday, July 3, and feel even hotter, reaching a heat index of 107 degrees, across parts of the Triangle.
A look at the temperatures and heat index forecasted for Raleigh:
Once the heat index reaches 105 degrees, sunstroke, heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely, and heat stroke is possible with prolonged exposure to the sun and high heat or during physical activity.
There have already been 1,808 emergency department visits for heat-related illnesses from May 1-June 28, according to state data. That’s more than 500 visits over the average during same time period from 2021 to 2025.
In 2025, there were 5,748 emergency department visits for heat-related illnesses, which was higher than the five previous summers. About 56% of the cases were related to heat exhaustion.
“Heat-related illnesses can affect anyone, regardless of age or physical condition, so it’s important for everyone to stay alert when spending time outside over the holiday,” said Dr. Zack Moore, NCDHHS State Epidemiologist, in a news release. “Recognizing the symptoms of heat illness early is key to preventing serious complications.”
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Wake County will open cooling stations starting Wednesday, July 1, through Monday, July 6.
“Look out for your friends and neighbors during this heatwave, especially those who may be vulnerable to extreme heat,” said Darshan Patel, Wake County Emergency Management operations manager, in a news release. “During Fourth of July festivities, make sure everyone stays safe by hydrating, seeking out shade and taking breaks in public, air-conditioned spaces whenever possible.”
Wake County opens cooling stations during “prolonged periods of extreme high temperatures,” which means:
The cooling stations include Wake County Public Library branches, Regional Centers and Health and Human Services Centers. However, due to the July 4 holiday, libraries will be closed on July 4 and some Wake County offices, including regional centers, will be closed on July 3.
“While many Wake County buildings will be closed during the holiday weekend, residents are encouraged to drop into other public spaces to cool down if needed,” according to news release. “Examples include malls and shopping centers, public pools and recreation centers, movie theaters and grocery stores.”
The N&O published a list of grocery stores that will be open for the Fourth, including Food Lion, Walmart, Harris Teeter, Publix and others.
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