Some Independence Day celebrations have caused a change in schedule, as towns plan for extreme conditions.
In Garner, people braved the heat for the town's 3rd of July Independence Day celebration.
Other WRAL Top Stories
For some, it was a tradition that they couldn't pass up.
"This is a family tradition for us. I grew up in Garner. Went to Garner High School," said Michelle Kittrege, who camped out with family and friends on Friday.
The Mayor of Garner, Buddy Gupton, made sure to remind people of what resources to bring out to events, like water, hats, and cooling rags.
"Most of us are not used to this temperature, and we want to stay healthy and calm and cool," said Gupton.
It’s been a similar tune for residents around central North Carolina during this heatwave.
The day before in Morrisville, thousands of people were expected to attend the annual 'Red, White & Boom' event, making it the busiest event of the year.
While crowds headed to Cedar Fork District Park to get a view of fireworks while shopping with local vendors, first responders stressed the importance of staying safe in the extreme heat.
Fire Chief Thomas Dooley noted the dangers of prolonged heat exposure without constant hydration and cooling breaks.
“Heat exhaustion, fainting, nausea, lightheadedness, rapid pulse, cool, clammy skin, and sweating profusely are usually your signs for heat exhaustion," Dooley said.
Medical tents, misters, water stations, safety bike patrol, and cooling areas were put in place to ensure safety throughout the night.
“We’ll have four members of our bike team there-- our first response team that’ll be on site," Chief Dooley said, ahead of the event.
The chief told WRAL the town pushed the message of hydration to event staff and vendors days before the event even started.
Little Halos was one of the vendors on site who took on the heat with cold treats. Owner Madison Nygard expected a busy night of fresh lemonade and ice cream orders as temperatures climbed.
“I’ve been doing this for four years, so being able to kinda like keep coming to all these events and being with everybody is what I love the most," said Nygard.