Charlotte Ties All-Time High Temperature Record; Energy Use Also Sets Record

Record-breaking temperatures again scorched area residents. The morning temperature in Charlotte was the highest on record since 1896 and Thursday's high temperature of 104 degrees ties the highest temperature ever recorded in the Queen City.

Severe Weather Team 9 meteorologist Steve Udelson said the high temperature easily broke the previous record of 100 degrees for August 9 set in 1956. With the heat index, which takes into account the temperature combined with humidity, it felt more like 110 degrees during the hottest part of the day – even hotter than Wednesday’s top heat index of 107 degrees when the temperature was also 102.

Severe Weather Team 9 meteorologist John Ahrens said that’s because the humidity was even higher Thursday. Humidity decreases the body’s ability to cool itself.

He said the heat index was nearly 120 degrees in Chesterfield, S.C.

Forecasters issued a heat advisory for most of central North Carolina, including Charlotte, Winston-Salem, Greensboro and Durham, as well as the northeastern area including Elizabeth City.

The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning for the eastern portion of the state, including Raleigh, Wilmington and Greenville.

Excessive heat warnings are also in effect for most of South Carolina.

Temperatures are expected to drop slightly during the weekend. The highs will be around 90.

Energy Use Also Record-Breaking

The high temperatures also led to record-high energy use on Wednesday.

Duke Energy customers hit an all-time high by using 18,988 mega watts of power -- all between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. That easily beat the previous record set in July of 2005.

Duke Energy representatives said residents should worry, however. Even though more people are using their air conditioners to cool off, there's no threat of any outtages.

"We certainly have an adequate supply of electricity right now, but as I said earlier, it's always a good idea to conserve energy. Certainly during times like this, we really appreciate customers doing what they can to help," said spokesman Tim Pettit.

Pettit said simple things like leaving your thermostat at a comfortable setting should help.