September may be here, but dangerous summer-like heat is sticking around across central North Carolina and health officials say the impact of this year's heat may be greater than the numbers show.
North Carolina recorded 5,861 heat-related emergency department visits between May 1 and Sept. 2, according to Autumn Locklear Clark, climate and health epidemiologist for the North Carolina Division of Public Health.
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The heat is also keeping Wake County first responders on alert.
“Going in September, people may think, ‘Oh! We’re past the summer months,’ but September is still expected to be hot,” said Staten Young, commander and assistant chief of community outreach for Wake County.
The Triangle is facing several days of intense, near-record heat, with temperatures climbing into the upper 90s and heat index values potentially reaching 105 degrees or higher.
The intense heat is expected to continue through Friday.
The late-season heat is unusual historically. Since 1887, Raleigh has recorded only 16 September days with temperatures at or above 99 degrees.
But longer-term data show fall is getting warmer.
Raleigh's average fall temperature has increased 2.9 degrees since 1970, according to Climate Central. Fall temperatures have warmed in 98% of the U.S. cities analyzed by the organization.
Nearly 5,900 heat-related emergency visits in North Carolina
North Carolina's forthcoming heat surveillance report includes 5,720 heat-related emergency department visits through Aug. 29, the state's most recently completed reporting period. That number had increased to 5,861 by Sept. 2.
The state's highest weekly rate this summer came between June 28 and July 4, when North Carolina recorded 7.7 heat-related emergency department visits per 100,000 residents.
Working-age men between 25 and 44 and men 65 and older have consistently experienced some of the highest rates, according to Locklear Clark.
Wake County emergency responders have seen the consequences firsthand.
“There have been spikes through the summertime where we’ve had some days where it’s been as high as 15 calls,” Young said.
Health officials say the real impact could be higher
About 20% of North Carolina's heat-related emergency department visits are believed to be work-related, but state health officials consider that an underestimate.
Research also suggests heat-related deaths may be substantially undercounted nationally because extreme temperatures can worsen heart, kidney and respiratory conditions without heat ultimately appearing on a person's death certificate.
For people spending time outside, Young said preparation should begin before temperatures peak.
“You know you’re going to be sweating,” Young said. “You need to start hydrating the days before your practice even starts.”
Health officials recommend limiting strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day, drinking water regularly and taking breaks in cooler locations.
Wetting the skin or clothing can help the body release heat, and using a fan can increase evaporation. Immersing the hands and forearms in cool water can also help lower body temperature.
Heat stroke can cause confusion, fainting or seizures and requires immediate medical attention. Anyone showing signs of heat stroke should be cooled immediately while someone calls 911.
“Some of the key components that may happen with overheating and heat stroke is the potential for internal organ damage,” Young said.
For Raleigh resident Andy Masullo, keeping his family comfortable during the September heat meant sticking to the shade while his child enjoyed the park and splash pad.
“We’re in the shade, and it’s all about dancing around where you can,” he said.
With dangerous temperatures expected to persist through Friday, first responders say people should treat the September heat the same way they would during the height of summer.