The WBTV viewing area, like much of the eastern half of the nation, is under the grip of a record-shattering heat wave that started Thursday and kicks into high gear today.
WBTV's Al Conklin says Charlotte reached 103° on Friday afternoon, which would broke the record for the date of 102° set back in 1945 and tie the all-time record for the month of June, set on the 27th in 1954.
And while the air is relatively dry, with dew points in the low 60s and afternoon humidity levels around 30%, there will be just enough moisture present to send the heat index up to 105° to 108° for at least a couple of hours late this afternoon.
"If that weren't enough to keep you locked up indoors, the air quality is expected to deteriorate as the afternoon commute gets under way," Conklin says. "Pushing ozone levels high and making difficult for those with respiratory ailments to breath."
Air quality officials have updated the air quality forecast to Code Red for the Charlotte area today. This Code Red forecast covers Cabarrus, Lincoln, Gaston, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Union and southern Iredell counties.
Air quality officials have issued a health notice for air pollution for all North Carolina air quality forecast regions on Friday.
Forecasters have predicted Code Red conditions in the Charlotte area, which means that air quality will be unhealthy. All children and older adults, people with respiratory disease such as asthma, and people who are active outdoors should avoid prolonged outdoor exertion.
Everyone else should limit prolonged outdoor exertion from late morning through late evening.
Forecasters have also predicted Code Orange conditions in most other major metropolitan areas and high mountain elevations, which means that air quality is likely to be unhealthy for sensitive groups.
People who are sensitive to air pollution should limit prolonged exertion outdoors. Sensitive groups include: children and older adults; people who work or exercise outdoors; and those with asthma, bronchitis, emphysema and other respiratory ailments.
The primary pollutant of concern is ozone, a highly reactive form of oxygen. Ozone can be unhealthy to breathe, and high levels generally occur on hot days with stagnant air.
Unfortunately, there's no break from the heat this weekend. Saturday may actually wind up being a degree or so hotter, perhaps challenging the all-time record high in Charlotte of 104°, set September 6, 1954 and again August 9 and 10 in 2007.
Near 100° readings can be expected Sunday and Monday afternoons as well, mid to upper 90s for Tuesday and Independence Day.
Some relief will be found in the mountains, both in slightly cooler highs in the 90s and at least a 20% chance for a late day thundershower there. And to our east, cooler ocean breezes will hold beachfront readings in the low 90s this weekend and the water will feel quite nice with surf temperatures now reported to be near 80°.
In addition, residents of affected areas should refrain from outdoor burning on Code Orange and Red days. It is illegal to burn all man-made materials in North Carolina, including paper, trash, and construction materials.
