Heat index up past 100 range for today, midweek
Anyone hoping that summer might be waning and moving toward fall will just have to keep faith as a heat wave returns to Polk County this week.
If Monday’s temperatures weren’t bad enough, today is expected to worse as the National Weather Service expects temperatures up to 97 for the day, but it is going to feel like it is 105 out there for a while, and remain hot through the evening hours.
Forecasters in Peachtree City have a Heat Advisory in effect until 10 p.m. as the thermometer climbs toward the 90s already. And temperatures are going to remain like this through the coming days.
Wednesday’s forecast calls for sunshine, a temperature of 97 again and a heat index up to 104. The same forecast without a heat index is expected on Thursday, Friday is expected to get up to 98 as well as on Saturday as well.
Chances for showers and thunderstorms on Sunday might bring some relief, but the forecast still calls for highs up to 92. It’ll be August 28 before we feel anything like a “cool down” with a high of 88 and 30 percent chances of showers.
What does this all boil down to?
It is probably a good idea to stay indoors as much as humanly possible over the next several days.
State health officials have already begun to warn the public of the dangers of the excessive heat coming up.
DPH sent along the following tips for keeping cool despite high temps and humidity outside:
To protect your health when temperatures are extremely high, remember to stay cool, stay hydrated and stay informed.
STAY COOL
Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
Stay in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to the shopping mall or public library or a friend or relative’s home – even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat.
Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath is a much better way to cool off.
NEVER leave infants, children, adults, or pets in a parked car, even if the windows are cracked open. If you see anyone locked in a hot vehicle, call 911.
Avoid using heat-generating appliances like your stove and oven. Avoid hot and heavy meals which will only add heat to your body.
Limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours. Cut down on exercise. If you must exercise, take short breaks, and stay hydrated.
When you are outdoors, protect yourself from the sun with a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher (the most effective products say “broad spectrum” or “UVA/UVB protection” on their labels).
STAY HYDRATED
Drink plenty of water even before you are thirsty. Don’t wait until you are already thirsty. Avoid sugary or alcoholic beverages which can cause you to lose even more body fluid. Beware that very cold drinks can cause stomach cramps. As you lose salt and minerals from your body while sweating, replace them. A sports drink will help with this.
STAY INFORMED
Prepare for extreme heat ahead of time by keeping an eye on local weather forecasts.
Use the buddy system to check on each other at least twice a day while working in extreme heat. Heat-related illness can cause confusion or loss of consciousness.
Keep a close eye on those at greater risk for heat-related illness:
- Infants and young children
- People 65 years of age or older
- People who are overweight
- People who overexert during work or exercise
- People who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure, or who take certain medications, such as for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation
If you are at greater risk for heat-related illness, have a friend or relative call to check on you twice a day during a heat wave. If you know someone in this group, check on them at least twice a day. Learn the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses and how to treat them.
And don’t forget your pets! Any time your pet is outside, make sure they have protection from heat and sun, and that they have plenty of fresh, cold water. In heat waves, add ice to water when possible. Tree shade and tarps are ideal because they don’t obstruct air flow. A doghouse does not provide relief from heat—in fact, it makes it worse.
For more information about extreme heat and precautions to take to prevent heat-related illnesses, log on to https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/index.html.
