Outdoor businesses, workers battle extreme heat across central NC

Earlier this week, Campbell Road Nursery, off Tryon Road in Raleigh, closed early due to the heat.

Nursery owner Phil Campbell said she's closed early a few times to protect both her employees, her plants and her customers.

"Yesterday we came in at 1 p.m. and said we were ready to go home," she said.

Campbell said she remained open after letting some of her employees go, but kept an eye on the heat index. Once it climbed above 100, she closed the doors.

"If the heat index is over 100 degrees or 105, most people are not going to want to be out shopping for flowers," she said.

On Wednesday, Zoe Jarman picked out some new flowers for her garden. She said her plants have been struggling in the heat wave.

"I'm replacing some of my geraniums that have not been able to stand up against this weather," Jarman said.

Justin Caspar works for Carolina Facility Management. He said he has been allowing his employees to take longer and more frequent breaks.

"There is no amount of money worth somebody getting hurt," Caspar said.

Campbell said although the precautions have cost her some business, it is worth it.

Temperatures hit 95 degrees Wednesday in Raleigh and are expected to top out in the upper-90s on Thursday.