Heat Wave Heading to Town

Step outside and you can tell it is the heat and the humidity.

This week the National Weather Service is forecasting a “dangerous combination of heat and humidity.” A very large area of hot and humid air is expected and temperatures in the mid-to-upper 90s are forecasted. Add in the humidity and it may feel like it is at least 100 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.

Sunday is also air pollution action day, according to the National Weather Service. Anyone with pre-existing respiratory conditions are asked to stay indoors or avoid strenuous outdoor activity.

We will start the week with temperatures in the low 90s and those temperatures are expected to steadily rise through the week, with the National Weather Service predicting temperatures around 96 degrees by Thursday. A thunderstorm or two is possible early in the week, which may help to keep temperatures a little lower, but by mid-week the storms will clear out.

Staying safe in the heat

The DuPage County Health Department has a number of tips to help people stay safe in the heat.

Dehydration: Dehydration occurs when more water leaves the body that you put back in. Stay well hydrated throughout the day and drink extra fluids when exercising or simply being outdoors on hot days.

Heat exhaustion: Symptoms may include: headaches, weak pulse, rapid pulse, excessive sweating, dizziness, and in some instances fainting, clammy skin, chills, cold, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps or very fast or very shallow breathing. If you suspect you have heat exhaustion, take action immediately to cool down. If possible, immerse yourself in cool water.

Heat stroke: Unlike heat exhaustion, victims of heat stroke have warm skin that is dry to the touch because they’ve sweated out all their extra water leaving the body’s natural cooling system without a key cool-down mechanism. High fever, severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, and a strong, rapid pulse all accompany heat stroke. People may become confused and can lose consciousness. Heat stroke is a very serious condition. Take action to cool the victim and seek immediate medical assistance.

Keep your Cool

Here are some tips from the Health Department to stay cool:

• Always wear light-weight clothing that has plenty of ventilation – the fabric should “breathe.” Stay well hydrated; always ensure you consume an abundance of liquids in the summer.

• Exercise or schedule other strenuous activities when the heat and humidity are lowest, usually early morning and late evenings.

• Rest in cool, shady places frequently. If you’re hot, go cool down – get indoors, drink cool liquids, enjoy the air conditioning for a few minutes, or take a cold shower.

• Eat light, heart-healthy foods to replace minerals and nutrients that may be lost. Give your heart a little extra break during the summer months with a healthy diet.

• Watch out for those at greatest risk such as very young children, the elderly, persons who may have health conditions. Certain medications may put you at greater risk of heat-related illnesses so be aware of how medications may interact with the heat.

For more information visit the DuPage County Health Department.