Community Corner

National Weather Service: Heat Advisory In Effect Today

Temperatures in the upper 90s are expected, along with high humidity.

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for July 1, predicting “oppressively hot” weather, with temperatures in the mid- to upper 90s Friday, and heat index readings of 102 to 107 degrees in the afternoon. The heat index is a measure of how hot it actually feels with humidity taken into account. The temperature in Chicago could reach 100 degrees Friday, according to the forecast.

Temperatures are expected to be in the lower 90s on Saturday, with a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunday’s forecast calls for highs in the lower 80s, with chances of thunderstorms Sunday night and Monday.

Scorching July days are nothing new in the Chicago area. The National Weather Service put Friday’s heat wave in perspective, posting a list of the last five times the mercury topped 100 degrees at O’Hare airport:

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  • July 24, 2005: 102 degrees
  • July 30, 1999: 101 degrees
  • July 14, 1995: 100 degrees
  • July 12, 1995: 104 degrees
  • Aug. 2, 1991: 101 degrees

 

Stay cool, stay safe

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Noting that heat is the number one weather-related cause of death in the United States, the National Weather Service offers the following heat wave safety tips:

  • Slow down. Strenuous activities should be reduced, eliminated or rescheduled to the coolest time of the day. Individuals at risk should stay in the coolest available place, not necessarily indoors.
  • Dress for summer. Lightweight, light-colored clothing reflects heat and sunlight, and helps your body maintain normal temperatures.
  • Put less fuel on your inner fires. Foods (like proteins) that increase metabolic heat production also increase water loss.
  • Drink plenty of water or other non-alcohol fluids. Your body needs water to keep cool. Drink plenty of fluids even if you don’t feel thirsty. Persons who (1) have epilepsy or heart, kidney,or liver disease, (2) are on fluid restrictive diets or (3) have a problem with fluid retention should consult a physician before increasing their consumption of fluids.
  • Do not drink alcoholic beverages.
  • Do not take salt tablets unless specified by a physician.
  • 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, spending some time each day (during hot weather) in an air conditioned environment affords some protection.
  • Don’t get too much sun. Sunburn makes the job of heat dissipation that much more difficult

Know these heat disorder symptoms (and how to treat them):

  • SUNBURN: Redness and pain. In severe cases swelling of skin, blisters, fever, headaches. First aid: Ointments for mild cases if blisters appear and do not break. If breaking occurs, apply dry sterile dressing. Serious, extensive cases should be seen by physician.
  • HEAT CRAMPS: Painful spasms usually in muscles of legs and abdomen possible. Heavy sweating. First aid: Firm pressure on cramping muscles, or gentle massage to relieve spasm. Give sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue use.
  • HEAT EXHAUSTION: Heavy sweating, weakness, skin cold, pale and clammy. Pulse thready. Normal temperature possible. Fainting and vomiting. First aid: Get victim out of sun. Lay down and loosen clothing. Apply cool, wet cloths. Fan or move victim to air conditioned room. Sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue use. If vomiting continues, seek immediate medical attention.
  • HEAT STROKE (or sunstroke): High body temperature (106 degrees or higher). Hot dry skin. Rapid and strong pulse. Possible unconsciousness. First aid: HEAT STROKE IS A SEVERE MEDICAL EMERGENCY. SUMMON EMERGENCY MEDICAL ASSISTANCE OR GET THE VICTIM TO A HOSPITAL IMMEDIATELY. DELAY CAN BE FATAL. Move the victim to a cooler environment. Reduce body temperature with cold bath or sponging. Use extreme caution. Remove clothing, use fans and air conditioners. If temperature rises again, repeat process. Do not give fluids. Persons on salt restrictive diets should consult a physician before increasing their salt intake.


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