A heat advisory is in effect for the Lake Norman area Thursday, Aug. 13, with Mecklenburg County warning that extreme temperatures could persist through Friday and into the weekend.
The National Weather Service issued the advisory for Huntersville and surrounding areas from noon to 8 p.m. Thursday, noting the potential for record-tying or record-breaking temperatures across the Southeast. The county's extreme heat reminder extends its warning through Friday, Aug. 14, and possibly beyond.
Two local recreation centers are open as cooling stations for residents who need relief:
- Northern Regional Recreation Center, 18121 Old Statesville Road, Cornelius
- David B. Waymer Recreation Center, 14008 Holbrooks Road, Huntersville (accessible via CATS Route 48x)
The Smithville Park splash pad at 19710 South Ferry St. in Cornelius is also open daily. County spraygrounds operate from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Charlotte Area Transit System is offering rides to designated cooling stations, including recreation centers, senior centers and spraygrounds.
The advisory comes as Charlotte-area summers grow measurably hotter. A typical July in Charlotte is now 3.4 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than it was 50 years ago, according to Climate Central, and July 2026 was the hottest month on record in the United States, WFAE reported.
Heat stroke warning
Heat stroke can kill. County health officials said warning signs include confusion, difficulty talking or moving, hot and dry skin or extreme sweating, very high body temperature and seizures. Residents who see these symptoms should call 911 immediately and move the person to a cool place.
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library locations also serve as cooling resources, generally open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Full recreation and senior center schedules are available at parkandrec.mecknc.gov.
