Dangerous Heat Through the Weekend

A summer heat wave is in full effect across much of the central and eastern United States and the sweltering temperatures will continue into the weekend.

Heat Advisories are posted from the Central Plains into the Mid Atlantic, with Excessive Heat Warnings in the Ohio Valley and southern Great Lakes. The heat and high humidity will be relentless for the next few days with overnight lows only falling into the 70s and 80s.

Not only will temperatures be high, but dew points will be tropical. This combination leads to dangerous “feels like” temperatures especially for people who work or spend lots of time outdoors.

If you will be outside over the next few days, here are a few tips to remember:

• Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, preferably water or sports drinks
• Avoid alcohol or caffeinated beverages
• Limit outdoor activity and take frequent breaks in the shade or an air conditioned space
• Wear light-colored and light-weight clothing and a hat
• Take cool showers or baths

If you do work outside, it’s important to be able to recognize the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Let’s start with heat exhaustion:

• Heavy sweating
• Cold, pale, clammy skin
• Fast, weak pulse
• Nausea or vomiting
• Muscle cramps
• Tiredness or weakness
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Fainting

If you or someone you work with starts experiencing these symptoms, stop work immediately and get to a cool place.

Heat stroke is very serious. Here are the symptoms to watch out for:

• High body temperature (103F or higher)
• Hot, red, dry, or damp skin
• Fast, strong pulse
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Losing consciousness

If you or someone you work with is experiencing these symptoms, call 911 right away! In the meantime, get the person to a cool place and try to lower their body temperature using cold compresses. Do not give them anything to drink.

Stay cool!