Charlotte’s summer heat: Explaining the heat index

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — From June 29 through Aug. 9 we have an average high of 90 degrees or higher. Of course some of those days can be much hotter than that especially during the Dog Days of Summer.

Charlotte can average up to 46 to 50 days that hit 90 degrees or higher, but we can break it down to the hours!

As you can see above, we spend an ample time at 90 degrees or above for the actual air temperature and the heat index. The 339 hours is just over 14 days per year feeling like temperatures are in the 90s.

The next range 95 degrees or hotter takes up about five days worth of hours per year.

Meanwhile, the 100 degree “real feel” is common — but not as much as you think. We spend 24 hours per year feeling like its 100 degrees outside. 

The sweltering 105 degrees is the level where heat becomes a real danger even if you are physically fit. The data since 1973 only shows roughly two to three hours per year spent here — this range would put us under a Heat Advisory.

Finally, the heat index of 110 degrees is when the area would be an extreme heat warning. It’s not particularly common, though. Charlotte actually hits that mark on average every 10 years.

For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts that impact you from WCNC Charlotte, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app and enable push notifications.