NC Heat Health Data and Reports

Heat-Related Illness Surveillance Reports

We track heat-related illness from May 1 to Sept. 30 each year, using data from NC DETECT.

2026 Weekly NC Heat-Related Illness Report

Statewide Key Messages

This season to date (May 1-9, 2026)

There have been 38 heat-related illness (HRI) emergency department (ED) visits with an average weekly rate of 0.2 per 100,000 population. (Note: no weekly report was produced for May 1-2)

This week (May 3-9, 2026):

• There were 28 HRI ED visits (0.03% of total ED visits), with a rate of 0.3 per 100,000 population
• The rate was highest among females aged 65+ years (0.7 per 100,000 population)
• The rate of HRI ED visits was highest in the Southeast and Foothills (0.4 per 100,000 population)
• The most frequent heat related diagnosis code was heat syncope (n = 7; 58.3%)
• The maximum daily heat index ranged from 65.6 to 82°F at Raleigh-Durham International Airport
• The daily minimum temperature was below 70°F on all 7 days this week.

The report shows that extreme heat is becoming a bigger health risk. Staying cool, drinking water, taking breaks and checking on others can help prevent heat-related illness.

Read the full report: NC Heat-Related Illness Report May 3-9, 2026

More Reports

• Heat Community Readiness Report (PDF)
• Heat Implementation and Monitoring Strategy Executive Summary (PDF)
• Heat Implementation and Monitoring Strategy (PDF)