Dangerously high temperatures expected for the 4th of July in Memphis. What expect

An excessive heat wave will be coming to the Memphis area for the Fourth of July this year.

The National Weather Service announced there would be two excessive heat warnings in place over the next two days as heat index temperatures climb well into the triple digits.

"An Excessive Heat Warning is in effect for all the Midsouth today and a good poriton of the Midsouth on the Fourth of July," posted the National Weather Service on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Thursday.

It is important to keep an eye on the weather for changes in warnings during these next two days. As many people will likely be outside, make sure to hydrate, stay in the shade if possible and use plenty of sunscreen.

Here is what to know about the heat and heat-related illnesses that can come with it.

Excessive heat warning for Memphis

There are two excessive heat warnings in place over the next two days. The first starts on July 3 and runs from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The second heat warning starts at 9 p.m. on July 3 and lasts until July 4 at 9 p.m.

The National Weather Service's discussion said, "Excessive Heat Warnings will be in affect for much of the Mid- South today and tomorrow. Dangerously hot conditions will suggest limiting outdoor activities today and tomorrow."

Essentially, we will have 34 hours of excessive heat, so make sure to plan on ways to stay cool and safe during the extreme temperatures.

Memphis 5-day forecast

Wednesday will have a high of 99 degrees and a low of 79 degrees. The day will be sunny and hot with the heat index reaching 111 degrees.

Thursday, 4th of July will have a high of 96 degrees and a low of 78 degrees. The heat index will reach 112 degrees. There is a 50% chance for showers and thunderstorms for the day and evening.

Friday will have a high of 92 degrees and a low of 71 degrees. The heat index is expected to reach 102 degrees. There is a 70% chance of showers during the day and a 30% chance in the evening before 1 a.m.

Saturday will have a high of 89 degrees and a low of 71 degrees. It will be a mostly sunny day with a heat index of 91 degrees.

Sunday will have a high of 90 degrees and a low of 72 degrees. There is a 20% chance of showers between 1 p.m. and 1 a.m. Sunday evening.

Heat related illnesses: Heat exhaustion vs. heat stroke

With temperatures soaring toward the triple digits, people need to be cautious when being outside in the heat, especially very young and older people.

Extreme heat makes it difficult for the body to keep its temperature in a normal range and can cause a number of conditions. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are both possibilities when people are outside during high heat. Here are the differences according to the CDC:

Heat exhaustion symptoms

• Headache
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Irritability
• Thirst
• Heavy sweating
• Elevated body temperature
• Decreased urine output

Treatment for heat exhaustion:

• Move person to a cooler environment, preferably a well-air-conditioned room.
• Loosen their clothing and apply cool, wet cloths, or have the person sit in a cool bath.
• Offer them sips of water.
• Seek immediate medical attention if the person vomits, symptoms worsen or last longer than 1 hour.

Heat stroke symptoms

• Confusion, altered mental status, slurred speech
• Loss of consciousness (coma)
• Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating
• Seizures
• Very high body temperature

Treatment for heat stroke:

• Call 911 or get the victim to a hospital immediately. Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency. Delay in treatment can be fatal.
• Move the person to a cooler, preferably air-conditioned, environment.
• Reduce body temperature with cool cloth or bath.
• Use fan if heat index temperatures are below the high 90s. A fan can make you hotter at higher temperatures.
• Do not give fluids.