RALEIGH -- June was the hottest on record in the Triangle, and July may not trail far behind.
Wednesday's high has reached 98 and expect temperatures in the upper 90s for the rest of this week, with Saturday possibly peaking at 101, according to the National Weather Service. It is the latest string of scorching days in a summer full of them.
"We've been in an abnormally warm period," said Mike Strickler, a meteorologist with the weather service in Raleigh. "While there might be some brief respites, it looks like the heat will persist through at least the month of August."
Strickler said high temperatures this week result from a high pressure system camped out over the Triangle. The pressure center traps heat, warming the surrounding area like an oven that remains warm through the night, he said.
"Temperatures at night won't fall below the mid- or low 70s, so there won't be much of a break," Strickler said.
Staying cool
1. Stay hydrated at all times, preferably with water.
2. Take frequent breaks during any exercise or strenuous activity.
3. Wear light, loose clothing.
4. Stay in any available shade when outside.
5. Utilize any available air conditioning.
Sun sickness
Personal health in temperatures as high as these are a legitimate concern, especially for the elderly, children or the ill. Those outside should remember heat stroke goes well beyond a bad sunburn - it is dangerous. Here are some signs a person outdoors has gotten too much sun:
1. Nausea
2. Headache
3. Dizziness
4. Cramps
5. Sun burn
Indoor activities
Some indoor options for staying cool:
1. The N.C. Museum of Art in Raleigh - Browse paintings, sculptures and more in the free galleries, open every day but Monday.
Average temperature: 68
2. The Morehead Planetarium in Chapel Hill - Tour the galaxy with a visit to this UNC institution and its collection of movies and displays about the universe.
Average temperature: 70
3. The Crabtree Valley Mall in Raleigh - Enter this mall (or any mall) for a quick dip into the air conditioning and some window shopping.
Average temperature: 72
4. AMF Durham Lanes in Durham - Bowl on one of 32 lanes or play video games or billiards instead.
Average temperature: 74
5. The Cary Ice House in Cary - This ice rink offers fun in the cold.
Average temperature: 74 in the building, 48 in the rink.
By the numbers
81.5 Average temperature in June, a record high and 6.8 degrees above normal.
81.1 Average temperature so far in July, 2.3 degrees above normal.
105 Highest temperature recorded at Raleigh-Durham International Airport, on three occasions, most recently on Aug. 21, 2007
101 High temperature forecast for Saturday
45 Number of days in June and July 1952 that were 90 or higher, the hottest June and July on record.
36 Number of days in June and July of this year that have been 90 or higher.
