Heat index values could reach 105°F in the Concord-Harrisburg area later this week, with severe thunderstorms adding a second layer of risk as thousands of Cabarrus County students head back to school.
The National Weather Service forecast for Concord shows a high near 94°F on Wednesday, Aug. 12, with heat index values as high as 103°F. Conditions worsen Thursday and Friday, when heat index values are forecast to climb to 100–105°F each afternoon, according to WBTV meteorologist Eric Garlick.
"Heat index values will climb to 100-105 degrees each afternoon, especially Thursday and Friday," Garlick wrote in a First Alert forecast published Tuesday, Aug. 11. "Some Piedmont and Upstate locations could see heat index values approach 105 degrees."
An upper-level high-pressure system parked over the region is driving the pattern, which Garlick described as a classic "dog days of August" setup expected to persist into next week.
Tuesday's storms hit Cabarrus County
A Level 2 out of 5 severe thunderstorm risk materialized Tuesday afternoon. A Severe Thunderstorm Warning was issued for Cabarrus County until 7:45 p.m., with maximum wind gusts of 60 mph and hail up to 0.88 inches, according to WBTV's alert tracker. The warning was later canceled for Cabarrus County while continuing for Mecklenburg and Union counties.
Scattered thunderstorms remain possible each afternoon Wednesday through Friday, with some storms capable of damaging wind gusts and localized heavy rainfall. A 60 mph storm hit the county Sunday, Aug. 9, downing power lines across the area.
Schools return Wednesday into the heat
Cabarrus County Schools students return to class Wednesday, Aug. 12, the first full day of the 2026–27 school year, placing thousands of students and staff outdoors during the heat event. The Cabarrus County Football Jamboree is also scheduled for Friday, Aug. 14, at Jay M. Robinson High School, with gates opening at 4:45 p.m. Heat index values of 100–105°F are forecast for that afternoon.
Cooling station, safety tips
Cabarrus County EMS Chief Jimmy Lentz shared heat safety tips in a video posted to the county's official Facebook page. The county also identified a cooling station at the Hellfighters of Concord Mission at The Cross, 590 Church St. N. in Concord, open through the weekend.
Garlick and the NWS recommend residents drink water throughout the day even when not thirsty, schedule outdoor activities for the morning, avoid peak afternoon heat, keep phones charged and know where to take shelter from storms.
The hot pattern is expected to continue into the weekend, with highs in the low-to-mid 90s and heat index values near 100°F Saturday through Monday.
