The Orange County Board of Commissioners will officially proclaim the week of May 18-22, 2026, as “Heat Awareness Week” in Orange County, North Carolina, underscoring the urgent need to prepare for extreme heat as rising temperatures threaten public health and safety across the region, with 2023, 2024 and 2025 being the three hottest years on record.
Orange County, along with the towns of Hillsborough, Carrboro, and Chapel Hill, finalized and approved the Heat Action Plan to better prepare for and respond to heat. This plan focuses on improving emergency responses, expanding access to cooling resources, and ensuring that vulnerable populations—such as older adults, outdoor workers, and low-income households—are better informed and protected.
Extreme heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the United States, surpassing deaths caused by hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes. It is a silent, invisible, and often underestimated threat. In 2024—the hottest year on record—Orange County experienced 12 days over 95°F, up from a historical average of eight days. Projections suggest the region could see between 28 to 41 days over 95°F annually by the 2060s. Warmer nights also mean less recovery time for the body, amplifying the health impacts of heat.
“This proclamation is a call to action,” said Orange County Emergency Services Director Kirby Saunders. “Heat-related illnesses and deaths are preventable. By increasing awareness and preparation, we can save lives—especially among our most vulnerable residents, including those without air conditioning, people who work outdoors, the unhoused population, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions.”
As part of the proclamation, Orange County will also launch the “Beat the Heat” campaign, a multilingual, five-month public education initiative using social media to raise awareness about extreme heat, its health impacts, and how residents can stay safe.
The county’s heat communication strategy includes establishing formal protocols for disseminating heat advisories and health tips—particularly important early in the season, when residents are less acclimated to rising temperatures. All residents are encouraged to sign up for OC Alerts at www.orangecountync.gov/OCAlerts to get important weather updates.
