By Jannie Ferrell, Meteorologist, National Weather Service
Summer is a favorite season for many of us. It’s fun to spend time with our friends and family swimming, camping, playing sports, hiking and picnicking. Some days can get very, very hot. In fact, extreme heat can be dangerous and make people very sick. During the summer, a heat wave may occur. This happens when it is hotter than normal over several days, generally when the temperature outside is 10 degrees Fahrenheit or more above average. When the heat is combined with very high humidity, it is even more dangerous.
Unlike other weather hazards such as thunderstorms, tornadoes and hurricanes, you can’t see a heat wave coming, but you can feel the effects of it. Fortunately, the National Weather Service alerts us when extreme heat is coming. Weather forecasters use a temperature measurement called the Heat Index to help determine when to expect very hot and dangerous conditions.
The Heat Index describes how hot it really feels by combining a measurement of air temperature and humidity. The most dangerous heat is when the humidity is high. Why? Because, it’s more difficult for sweat to help you cool down when the humidity is high.
It’s very dangerous for your body to stay too hot for too long. So it’s important that you take precautions to prevent heat illness. The most severe heat illness is a heat or sunstroke and is a life-threatening emergency. Those most at risk for heat stroke are the elderly and small children.
You’ve probably heard your local television weathercaster reporting on heat during the summer. Let’s say the weathercaster reports that the Heat Index is 110 degrees outside. Looking at the Heat Index scale, you see that’s in the orange and danger zone. Under that condition, you should not stay outside too long before taking a break in a cool place.
You can stay safe and cool while you are having fun this summer if you follow these tips:
• Stay indoors as much as possible.
• Spend more time in air-conditioned places or places with fans.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Wear light-colored, lightweight and loose-fitting clothes, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
• When playing outside, take frequent breaks in the shade.
• Limit your time in the sun, especially during the middle of the day when the sun is strongest.
• Watch for symptoms of heat illness (cramping, rapid pulse, heavy sweating, dizziness, confusion, nausea, vomiting) and seek help immediately if these occur.
• Listen to the radio and television, or check online (weather.gov) for the latest weather information and instructions for your area.
So, make this the best summer ever! Play ball, take a hike, go to the zoo, spend time at the pool or have a cookout; just check the forecast and stay safe to beat the heat!
Learn more about heat safety at www.weather.gov/heatsafety
