It’s going to continue to be “HOT! HOT! HOT!” over coming days

Anyone hoping for a cool down over the coming days is going to be sorely disappointed as temperatures are set remain for a lack of better words HOT! HOT! HOT! through the end of June.

National Weather Service forecasters are predicting that Polk County joins much of the rest of the nation in a continued heat wave as today’s high hits 96, and the thermostat will just keep edging up over the coming days before potential for rain could at least break some of the pain of temps nearing the 100 mark.

Forecasters in Peachtree City simply called Tuesday’s forecast “Hot” with temps up to 97, and Wednesday with chances of rain in the forecast is expected to hit 98 degrees. The thermometer on Thursday and Friday is calling for 95 and 97 respectively, with chances for some showers during the afternoon hours.

The upcoming weekend forecast to round out the month of June calls for temps in the mid to upper 90s and chances for rain as well.

Heat index values through the afternoon hours daily are expected to remain in the 100 degree mark through the rest of the week.

This latest round of summer heat in June continues to impact more than 100 million in the eastern half and Midwest of the U.S., with record temperatures measured for June in cities all across the Northeast and upper Midwest. Essentially this is in part happening due to the formation of La Nina in the Pacific Ocean, which blocks high pressure systems from moving across the country and pushing out heat waves with rain-heavy fronts during the summer.

Look for July to continue to trend warmer than normal – an already steamy month for Polk County and Northwest Georgia as a whole – as forecasters’ outlook expects much of the south to be hotter than average and the Northeast and Rockies experiencing well above their normal July temps.

What does this all mean? Beyond air conditioning going from luxury to necessity, it means folks need to take precautions against heat-related injuries over the coming days.

STAY COOL

Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.

Stay in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to the shopping mall or public library or a friend or relative’s home – even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat.

Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath is a much better way to cool off.

NEVER leave infants, children, adults, or pets in a parked car, even if the windows are cracked open. If you see anyone locked in a hot vehicle, call 911.

Avoid using heat-generating appliances like your stove and oven. Avoid hot and heavy meals which will only add heat to your body.

Limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours. Cut down on exercise. If you must exercise, take short breaks, and stay hydrated.

When you are outdoors, protect yourself from the sun with a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher (the most effective products say “broad spectrum” or “UVA/UVB protection” on their labels).

STAY HYDRATED

Drink plenty of water even before you are thirsty. Don’t wait until you are already thirsty. Avoid sugary or alcoholic beverages which can cause you to lose even more body fluid. Beware that very cold drinks can cause stomach cramps. As you lose salt and minerals from your body while sweating, replace them. A sports drink will help with this.

STAY INFORMED

Prepare for extreme heat ahead of time by keeping an eye on local weather forecasts.

Use the buddy system to check on each other at least twice a day while working in extreme heat. Heat-related illness can cause confusion or loss of consciousness.

Keep a close eye on those at greater risk for heat-related illness:

• Infants and young children
• People 65 years of age or older
• People who are overweight
• People who overexert during work or exercise
• People who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure, or who take certain medications, such as for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation

If you are at greater risk for heat-related illness, have a friend or relative call to check on you twice a day during a heat wave. If you know someone in this group, check on them at least twice a day. Learn the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses and how to treat them.

And don’t forget your pets! Any time your pet is outside, make sure they have protection from heat and sun, and that they have plenty of fresh, cold water. In heat waves, add ice to water when possible. Tree shade and tarps are ideal because they don’t obstruct air flow. A doghouse does not provide relief from heat—in fact, it makes it worse.

For more information about extreme heat and precautions to take to prevent heat-related illnesses, log on to https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/index.ht

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