Heat Safety Tips - @wxornotBG

With late summer heat building in over Bowling Green the next few days, it never hurts to stop and take a look into some heat safety tips. Heat index values look to reach into the triple digit range for Bowling Green over the next several days as a ridge of high pressure settles over the eastern part of the country. With temperatures expected in the mid and upper 90s, the biggest variable will be moisture values, a slight change here can skew heat index values greatly.

Check out the chart below for calculating Heat Index:

When Heat Index values reach and exceed the 105°F range, the NWS will consider issuing different advisories, depending on local climate. Here’s a breakdown:

Excessive Heat Outlooks: are issued when the potential exists for an excessive heat event in the next 3-7 days. An Outlook provides information to those who need considerable lead time to prepare for the event, such as public utility staff, emergency managers and public health officials.

Excessive Heat Watches: are issued when conditions are favorable for an excessive heat event in the next 24 to 72 hours. A Watch is used when the risk of a heat wave has increased but its occurrence and timing is still uncertain. A Watch provides enough lead time so that those who need to prepare can do so, such as cities officials who have excessive heat event mitigation plans.

Excessive Heat Warnings/Advisories: are issued when an excessive heat event is expected in the next 36 hours. These products are issued when an excessive heat event is occurring, is imminent, or has a very high probability of occurring. The warning is used for conditions posing a threat to life. An advisory is for less serious conditions that cause significant discomfort or inconvenience and, if caution is not taken, could lead to a threat to life.

Generally speaking, exposure to Heat Index values around 105°F or greater is when heat related disorders or illnesses mostly occur. We’ll be close to this number in the coming days. Heat Advisories are a definite possibility.

Heat Advisories: are issued within 12 hours of the onset of the following conditions: heat index of at least 105°F but less than 115°F for less than 3 hours per day, or nighttime lows above 80°F for 2 consecutive days.

Some common ailments:

Heat Exhaustion: A mild form of heat stroke, characterized by faintness, dizziness, and heavy sweating.

Heat Stroke: A condition resulting from excessive exposure to intense heat, characterized by high fever, collapse, and sometimes convulsions or coma.

Safety Tips:

Make sure your child’s safety seat and safety belt buckles aren’t too hot before securing your child in a safety restraint system, especially when your car has been parked in the heat.

Never leave your child unattended in a vehicle, even with the windows down.

Slow down. Reduce, eliminate or rescheduled strenuous activities until the coolest time of the day. Children, senior 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.

DRINK PLENTY OF WATER

The National Weather Service provided this information, for more details if you’re curious, check out this site.
Stay tuned here for the latest weather updates in the coming days. We’re not expecting a major heat event, but its always good to stay informed and aware! Stay cool and stay hydrated!