Buncombe County Braces for Intense Heatwave Amid Rising Temperatures
As western North Carolina gears up for a particularly hot holiday week, Buncombe County has issued a heat health alert with temperatures soaring into the mid-90s. This unusual weather pattern is attributed to a heat dome affecting the Eastern United States, which is possibly exacerbated by climate change.
Historically, Asheville’s summer temperatures have rarely exceeded the 80s, but climate change is ushering in more frequent bouts of extreme heat, according to Corey Davis, an assistant state climatologist. Recent rain has helped ease the drought conditions that plagued the mountain region for months, but the heat persists.
“That is a once in a decade type of heat event historically,” Davis noted. “We just don’t see that many episodes where we get temperatures that warm, especially over this long of a time period.”
The last time Buncombe County experienced such prolonged heat was in 2024, marking Asheville’s hottest-ever year, Davis explained.
“Warmer temperatures are more or less new to our part of the state,” commented Stacy Woods, Buncombe County’s communications officer, to BPR.
While Buncombe County does not operate a dedicated cooling center, it collaborates with local libraries to offer air-conditioned spaces for public use during the day.
Staying Safe in the Heat
To combat heat-related illnesses, it’s vital to recognize symptoms and take precautions:
- For signs of heat exhaustion, such as nausea, dizziness, rapid pulse, and headache, promptly seek rest, shade, and hydration.
- If experiencing severe symptoms like confusion, slurred speech, red, warm skin, or unconsciousness, seek emergency medical care immediately.
- Maintain a cool environment and stay hydrated.
- Pregnant individuals, children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses or on certain medications are at heightened risk.
