Another day of miserable heat

The year's first heat wave continues today with temperatures likely reaching into the high 90s, well above normal, and possibly setting a record.

The high temperatures, combined with a moist air mass, will make it feel more like 105 degrees this afternoon, according to a heat advisory issued by the National Weather Service. The heat advisory is in effect from noon to 8 p.m.

Because of the heat and humidity, heat illnesses are possible, the National Weather Service warned. Anyone with outdoor plans should drink plenty of water and take precautions such as wearing light-colored, lightly-fitted clothing and taking plenty of breaks in the shade or in air-conditioned buildings.

The temperatures are expected to continue to soar well into next week, with highs in the upper 90s forecast through Wednesday.

The highs could well beat the current records at Raleigh-Durham International Airport of 99 degrees on June 5, 2002, 98 degrees on June 6, 2002, and 97 degrees on June 7, 1947.

The normal highs for this time of year are 83 to 85 degrees.

Worse, the forecast calls for no significant rainfall anytime soon. The National Weather Service expects rainfall to be below normal over the next two weeks.

The heat comes courtesy of a summer-like high pressure system sitting over the Southeast, drawing tropical air into the state, said Ron Humble, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Raleigh.

The people who repair air conditioners don't need to go outside to know the heat has arrived. Their phones keep ringing as homeowners realize their systems aren't cutting it.

"It's basically like panic mode," said Dan Baker, manager of Triangle Services Group, a 16-employee firm in Wake Forest.

"We were sending guys home a couple of weeks ago because we didn't have enough work for them. Now it's completely hectic because we have so many service calls."

The heat means the horses at Rolling Hills Farm in Chapel Hill are getting occasional hose baths, as well as plenty of fresh water and salt blocks, said Piper Faatz, the owner. She's paying particular attention to Little Man, a foal born 8 weeks ago.

"It's the very young and very old you have to keep an eye on," said Faatz, a caution that applies to people as well as horses.

"We'll watch Little Man. When it's that hot, that's about all you can do."