The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued an excessive heat warning for much of the week and the heat index is forecast to hold in the triple digits from noon Aug. 21 until the morning of Aug. 26 with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s overnight to 100 degrees or higher during the day.
National Weather Forecaster Colby Pope said heat index values will reach into the triple digits and teenseach day until a cool front moves in Aug. 26.
“We will see those heat index values that will be above 110 or greater, there are places we could see 115 to 120 and that is really dangerous heat. As far as actual temperatures go, those will be in the low 100s across the area and that will continue not just for Monday but for much of the work week and that’s not good especially for those who have to work outdoors or don’t have adequate cooling. Mid-week, we could see that actual temperatures reach the mid 100s and that is just not good,” Pope said.
Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause illness to occur, and it is possible those working outdoors could experience heat exhaustion or heat stroke if precautions aren’t taken.
The NWS advises anyone who will be spending time outdoors to drink plenty of water, check on relatives and neighbors and stay out of the sun if possible.
“I would avoid the outdoors at all costs if you can. A concern I really do have is we have a lot of schools and universities that have gone back into session and a lot of athletic condition going on and games later in the week in some places. While I cannot make the decisions for those games, they will have to be very vidulant even going into the evening hours given these temperatures and heat index values,” Pope said. “We will see heat index values remaining above 100 into the evenings. Hydration is the key and really taking lots of breaks and getting out of exposure to the heat as much as possible. It’s not just high heat, it’s also high humidity.”
Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.
If you are going to be outdoors for prolonged periods, take extra precautions.
Knowing the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke is vital.
According to the Mayo Clinic, signs of heatstroke include a headache; dizziness and confusion; loss of appetite and feeling sick; lack of sweating; dry, red, hot skin; fast breathing or heavy pulse; a high temperature of 103 or above and or being very thirsty.
Signs of heat exhaustion are similar, and the two are not dissimilar in symptoms.
“Cool, moist skin with goosebumps when in the heat; heavy sweating; faintness; dizziness; fatigue; weak, rapid pulse; low blood pressure upon standing and or muscle cramps are signs of heat exhaustion,” the Mayo Clinic states.
The signs and symptoms listed above are not complete lists.
Wearing lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible, scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments is highly recommended. Anyone overcome by heat should seek a cooler environment immediately.
Additionally, pets especially those outdoor should be checked on frequently and provided with fresh cool water and ample shade.
Lauren is a an award-winning journalist who decided after 10 years of newspaper experience to venture out. Hallmark Times was born.
