High temperature ties record, but relief on way

The Triangle was once again a metropolitan sauna Thursday, with the high temperature reaching 99 degrees and tying a 13-year record for the date.

And it felt even hotter. The National Weather Service recorded a heat index high of 105 degrees - how hot it feels once you factor in the humidity.

"It's unusual in the sense that the 30-year average is 87-88, and we're 12 degrees above [that]," said Brandon Locklear, senior forecaster for the National Weather Service in Raleigh.

The heat wave kept those who work outdoors taking special precautions. Gov. Bev Perdue even sent out a warning telling state residents to avoid exposure to the dangerous temperatures.

Raleigh officials shortened rotation times for the 300 lifeguards at the city's five pools, said Terry Stroupe, aquatics director. Lifeguards are switching posts every 15 minutes instead of the usual 30 and are routinely checked on by staff members to make sure they stay cool.

"I am concerned about them. It's just making sure they're staying wet and keeping their bodies cool," Stroupe said. The pools were packed Thursday as city residents sought relief from the heat.

Taxi driver Larry Ginni lamented the heat as he waited for passengers near the corner of Martin and Wilmington streets in downtown Raleigh. Ginni said that riders want him to run the air conditioner in the cab, but that using it too much causes the vehicle to run poorly.

"I have to run the AC, and right now I'm having problems with my car because of the AC," he said. "It's too hot."

Martin Krhounek, who sells hot dogs Monday through Friday outside the Wake County Courthouse, finds that drinking a lot of water helps in dealing with the heat. He also said the downtown setting can provide a bit of relief.

"With the tall buildings, it creates a lot of wind," Krhounek said Thursday afternoon. "It's been more humid, but right now it's pretty good."

There is a small bit of hope today. A weak cold front should lower temperatures about 5 degrees, the weather service said. But don't get too used to it. The full sauna will probably be back by Sunday.