Central North Carolina is facing its fourth brutal heat wave this summer, with temperatures climbing dangerously close to record highs. The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat warning across the region as conditions continue to intensify.
By Friday morning, thermometers in several areas are expected to hit 98°F (37°C), with a heat index soaring well beyond 105°F (40.5°C) due to relentless humidity levels. For families in places like Forest Hills, the answer is simple: head to the pool.
“We’ve been down here all week because it’s just been a scorcher,” said Wilbert Smith, who’s been bringing his grandkids and nephew to the Forest Hills pool. “They’ve been cool, they’re happy. That’s what matters.”
For 10-year-old Mark Melton, the water isn’t just refreshing—it’s a way to connect. “Seeing people again, making new friends… it could be a new friend for life or just a day,” he said, smiling as he climbed out of the water.
In the shaded corners of the pool, a group of teachers sat sipping water, towels wrapped around shoulders, sharing a few laughs after a swim. “It’s been real hot, and I’m just glad to be out here with some lovely teacher friends,” said Natalie Kolosieke. “You’ve got to be careful how long you stay out in the sun.”
According to health experts, heat is a silent killer, and early signs of heat exhaustion shouldn’t be ignored. Symptoms may include muscle cramps, headache, heavy sweating, irritability, confusion, vomiting, or dizziness.
“Once someone becomes disoriented, vomits, or loses consciousness, that’s heat stroke,” warned Dr. Ashley Ward, director of the Heat Policy Innovation Hub at Duke University. “Our heat seasons now are far more dangerous than in the past. It’s not just the temperature—it’s the humidity. When the air’s already full of moisture, your body can’t cool itself. Sweat can’t evaporate the way it needs to.”
Dr. Ward recommends air conditioning, hydration, cold showers, foot baths, and wet cloths as effective ways to beat the heat. And of course, if there’s a neighborhood pool like the one in Forest Hills, it might just be the best place to be.
