Here Comes The Heat!

To call today hot might be an understatement. The temperatures rose above 90º throughout the majority of the Mid-South today and heat indices were above 100º. 

For those who don't know, a heat index is a number that factors in the amount of moisture in the air to describe what the temperatures feel like outside. Higher humidity makes conditions more uncomfortable, so this number is a good reflection on what we're experiencing rather than what the temperatures actually are.

In heat events, like the one we're encountering this week, its important to take necessary measures to avoid heat related illnesses. Heat is the #1 weather related killer among people today, so take these steps to heart and share them with you friends and family!

• Slow down. Reduce, eliminate or reschedule strenuous activities until the coolest time of the day. Children, seniors and anyone with health problems should stay in the coolest available place, not necessarily indoors.
• Dress for summer. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing to reflect heat and sunlight.
• Put less fuel on your inner fires. Foods, like meat and other proteins that increase metabolic heat production also increase water loss.
• Drink plenty of water, non-alcoholic and decaffeinated fluids. Your body needs water to keep cool. Drink plenty of fluids even if you don't feel thirsty. Persons who have epilepsy or heart, kidney or liver disease, are on fluid restrictive diets or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a physician before increasing their consumption of fluids. Do not drink alcoholic beverages and limit caffeinated beverages.
• During excessive heat periods, spend more time in air-conditioned places. Air conditioning in homes and other buildings markedly reduces danger from the heat. If you cannot afford an air conditioner, go to a library, store or other location with air conditioning for part of the day.
• Don't get too much sun. Sunburn reduces your body's ability to dissipate heat.
• Do not take salt tablets unless specified by a physician. 
  
  (From the National Weather Service - http://www.nws.noaa.gov/os/heat/index.shtml)
  
  

If you thought today was bad, just wait until tomorrow! Wednesday, our actual highs will be in the mid 90s so the heat index will exceed 100º in most of the region. The heat will let up only slightly this week after a cold front moves through the area on Thursday but highs will still be around 90º each day.

Keep cool!