North Carolina is in the midst of an extreme, extended heat wave. Heat index values are expected to be as high as 105 degrees in some parts of the state.
That much heat can make it dangerous to be outside, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Gail Hartfield.
"I would say it's oppressive," Hartfield said.
Forecasters are calling for fewer storms this week, which drives temperatures up to extreme levels.
"The temperatures that we are forecasting - and we're forecasting highs in the mid-to-upper-90s - are shade temperatures, so as soon as you get into the sunlight, the temperatures are going to go up 10 to 20 degrees or more," Hartfield said.
The heat also prompted air quality warnings in the Triad and Charlotte on Monday. Highs will be near 100 degrees for the next week, according to Hartfield.
"The eight to 14-day outlook shows a very high probability of above-normal temperatures, so it looks like we're going to get stuck in this pattern for another week," she said.
Most of the state is under a heat advisory until 8 p.m. Monday.