ATLANTA — Dangerous heat and humidity were forecast to persist across much of the southeastern United States through the weekend, prompting heat advisories in parts of the Carolinas and Florida as forecasters warned of an elevated risk of heat-related illness for people spending extended periods outdoors.
The National Weather Service and local forecast offices said temperatures in many areas were expected to climb into the 90s Fahrenheit, while high humidity would push heat index values into the triple digits. In parts of central North Carolina, forecasters said “feels-like” temperatures could reach between 100 and 106 degrees Fahrenheit during the weekend.
Heat advisories were in effect in several areas on Saturday, including portions of North Carolina and the Charlotte metropolitan region. Forecasters warned that prolonged exposure to the heat could increase the likelihood of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, particularly among older adults, young children, outdoor workers and people without access to air conditioning.
“Dangerous heat continues,” the National Weather Service said in advisories cited by local broadcasters, urging residents to remain hydrated, limit strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day and seek air-conditioned environments when possible.
In Florida, meteorologists reported elevated heat risks across the peninsula through the weekend. According to forecasts cited by public radio station WUSF, the highest impacts were expected in parts of the Panhandle and northern Florida, where major heat-related effects could occur for individuals lacking adequate cooling, hydration or rest breaks. Heat advisories remained in effect in some areas through Saturday evening.
The Weather Prediction Center said a cold front moving through parts of the eastern United States would bring thunderstorms to sections of the South later in the weekend. However, forecasters noted that while temperatures were expected to ease in portions of the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, much of the Southeast would remain hot.
Weather officials also cautioned that high humidity can make conditions more hazardous than air temperatures alone suggest. The National Weather Service notes that heat is among the leading weather-related hazards in the United States and advises people to monitor local forecasts, check on vulnerable individuals and avoid leaving children or pets in vehicles.
In some southeastern communities, scattered thunderstorms were expected to develop during the afternoon and evening hours. Forecasters said any storms could provide temporary relief from the heat but might also bring gusty winds and localized heavy rainfall.
As of Sunday, weather agencies continued to monitor conditions across the region. Additional heat advisories were possible in some areas if temperatures and humidity remained at forecast levels, while local officials urged residents to follow heat-safety guidance through the remainder of the weekend.
