Much of the country is sweltering under a heat wave, and North Carolina is no different.

The temperature was forecast to hit 97 to 98 degrees in Moore County Tuesday, and it could approach 100 degrees today. The heat index Tuesday was 101.

Today marks the middle of what is typically the hottest week of the year, according to Rod Gonski, a National Weather Service meteorologist. Temperatures normally are between 90 and 91 degrees this week.

A large high pressure system coming across the Appalachian Mountains is bringing heat and humidity and eight to 10 additional degrees of heat.

"It's going to be hotter than normal -- possibly record heat," Gonski said. "People need to be advised to kind of take it easy."

Moore County residents need to take precautions to beat the heat this week. But some people, construction workers for example, can't take it easy. They try to drink lots of water and take frequent breaks.

"It's been terrible," said Todd Causey of Asheboro, sitting atop a bulldozer. He was doing demolition work at a site next to Cook Out on U.S. 15-501 in Aberdeen.

(The foreman said that the site is being cleared for a restaurant. Town Manager Bill Zell said that there has been no official word from the developer.)

"I know (the temperature has) been way up there," Causey said. "I don't know what we can do about it, besides drink lots of water and take plenty of breaks. Up here on this machine, I wouldn't be surprised if it gets to be 120 degrees up here, if not more. ... We've got our water in the truck. I've about got a slick path worn."

Tony Torrence, who was working next door at the Starbucks Coffee site, said the workers were weighing the interests of getting the job done against taking extra breaks. They were drinking a lot of Gatorade to stay hydrated, he said.

"That's all we've got time to do," he said.

'Start Early, Finish Early'

Some people planned to start early and be out of the sun by mid-afternoon. J.J. Southers, who was laying brick out at the new sign for Bethesda Presbyterian Church in Aberdeen, said that he planned on starting about 6 a.m. Tuesday.

"Start early," he said. "Finish early."

Southers was working with his son, J.R., and Jamie Boles' son, Glenn. Southers said that if you start early in the morning and let your body acclimate as the day heats up, it's not that bad.

"If you come straight out of an air-conditioned car or an air-conditioned building, it's going to hit you like a wall," he said.

Doug Johnston let his dog Amber cool off Monday at Reservoir Park in Southern Pines for a swim while still on the leash. He walked to the end of the dock to allow the golden retriever into the deep water.

The town told him she could swim if still on the leash, but the leash serves another purpose, too.

"The heat really bothers her," Johnston said. "If I didn't have the leash on, she wouldn't ever come out."

Take Precautions

Gov. Mike Easley issued a warning Monday across the state for people to be careful of heat injury.

"At the peak of the summer season," Easley said, "it is particularly advisable for everyone to remember to take precautions to avoid heat-related health problems during this oppressive heat. Those who are elderly or have physical or medical conditions that are sensitive to high temperatures need to take special care to keep safe."

People are reminded to never leave infants, children or pets in parked cars. Their interiors can heat up quickly to the point of being life-threatening.

Though a cold beer may sound tempting, alcohol dehydrates the body and actually makes the problem worse.

People should wear lightweight, light-color, loose-fitting clothing. Dark color clothes absorb the sun's energy. Stay indoors if possible, in an air-conditioned room.

Progress Energy issued some tips about how to keep the energy bill down while still cooling your home.

-- Set the thermostat to between 78 and 80. Set it a few degrees higher if you are leaving, but don't turn it off unless you will be gone for an extended period of time.

-- Change the filter every month. A dirty filter can increase the bill by 20 percent.

-- Use fans, and close the blinds.

-- Take lukewarm showers.

-- Try to avoid using the stove.

Most of all, people need to pay attention to what their bodies are doing.

The American Red Cross said that signs of heat exhaustion are headache, nausea or vomiting and dizziness. Hot, red skin, shallow breathing and changes in consciousness are signs of heat stroke, which can be life threatening.

To treat heat exhaustion, get the persons somewhere cool and have them slowly drink cool water. Treatment of heat stroke requires immediate help. Call 911.

For those who don't have access to air conditioning, experts suggest buying a fan. Fans don't actually cool air, but they assist in sweat evaporation, which cools the body.

If you can't afford a fan, the Sandhills Coalition for Human Care may be able to assist. It has some free fans left that it could give out to those in need. If it runs out, it can ask for more donations.

People can contact the Coalition at 693-1600.

"It is really hot," said Caroline Eddy, executive director of the Coalition. "I can't imagine trying to get by without an air conditioner. It's a real service the community provides for its neighbors."

Matthew Moriarty may be reached at 693-2479 or by e-mail at moriarty@thepilot.com.