CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Amid a dangerous stretch of extreme heat in North Carolina, the Mecklenburg County Detention Center is reducing air conditioning capacity in one of its primary housing towers, raising concerns over inmate and staff safety.
The cooling system in Tower One is set to undergo scheduled maintenance starting at 6:30 a.m. on Monday, July 28, according to the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office. During this period, the A/C will operate at just 45% capacity — dramatically reducing airflow in an already sweltering facility.
Maintenance Timed During Intense Heat
The reduction comes during what meteorologists call the hottest stretch of temperatures in the Charlotte area since 2015, with heat index values projected to exceed 105°F over the weekend and into early next week.
Officials say the repairs are necessary to restore full cooling functionality by Monday afternoon. In the meantime, residents and staff will experience warmer-than-usual conditions, prompting internal contingency plans.
Sheriff’s Office Response and Mitigation Efforts
In a statement, the sheriff’s office acknowledged the discomfort:…