Published Sun, Jul 25, 2010 04:17 PM
Modified Sun, Jul 25, 2010 11:07 PM

102-degree day sets new record

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TAKAAKI IWABU - tiwabu@newsobserver.com

David Eastwood applies an ice pack on his forehead at a dugout while he plays a softball game at Jaycee Park Sunday, July 25, 2010. Raleigh set a record-high 102 and with the heat index hitting 111, the National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning for the area Sunday.

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By J. Andrew Curliss - Staff writer

RALEIGH -- The temperature today has broken a 61-year-old record for heat, reaching 102 degrees in the 3 p.m. hour, weather officials said.

The heat index, a combination of the heat and humidity, was topping 111 degrees at Raleigh-Durham International airport, where official measurements for the region are kept.

"It's uncomfortable, no doubt," said Ryan Ellis, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Raleigh.

Authorities advise people to stay inside and stay cool. If outdoors, drink plenty of water and limit activity.

The old record for July 25 was 98 degrees, set in 1949. (The highest temperature ever in July was 105, set in 1952.)

Ellis said it feels even hotter south of the Triangle: The heat index at Pope Air Force Base near Fayetteville was 119 degrees, with the temperature there at 100.

The heat is the result of a high pressure system that is parked over the area and is sucking warm, moist air up from the Southwest.

But relief is in sight.

Forecasters say a cold front will move through tonight, bringing a 10-degree drop in temperatures for the next week.

acurliss@newsobserver.com or 919-829-4840

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