The first real heat wave of summer is on the way, and starting today you’ll want to take some precautions – especially this weekend as the thermostat is almost up to 100.
Polk County won’t get the brunt of the heat dome starting to settle over a swath of the country from California the Great Lakes, and as far north as South Dakota to the Gulf Coast and border with Mexico. Locally though, it is going to get toasty.
Temperatures today are expected to be 89, and dip into the 60s. On Thursday, the thermometer hits 94, on Friday up to 96, and downright getting to scorching by Saturday at 98.
Look for the heat to stick around with chances of showers on Sunday up to 97, and dip back down into the upper 80s and lower 90s to start next week with additional chances of rain, per the National Weather Service forecast.
Throughout this week’s building heat wave, sunshine and clear skies are expected throughout with barely a breeze to cool things off, so it’ll be imperative to remember a few things: keep hydrated, shade is vital, and air conditioning is everyone’s best friend this time of year.
The pattern of fast-developing showers and thunderstorms are likely to kickoff at the beginning of the coming week to help break the heat.
The thermometer around the nation is topping 100 in regions across the west, and all across the southwest and large portions of California this week. It hit 110 degrees in Phoenix, 108 in Las Vegas, and 102 in El Paso on Tuesday.
The high temperatures are coinciding with some early tropical activity in the Gulf of Mexico. Meteorologists are tracking a wave in the Gulf off the west coast of Florida with the potential to cause serious flooding across the peninsula and panhandle, with upward of 12 inches of rain in areas of South Florida.
If the system were to stall and have a chance to develop, it could become the first tropical depression of 2024. Hurricane season began at the beginning of the month, but tropical waves from the Caribbean and West Africa usually don’t begin to become serious threats until late July and August through October.
As temperatures begin to warm up this summer, the following tips are provided to ensure the health and safety of all as they go about their daily lives.
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.
