Heatwave drags on: How to keep yourself and your family safe

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) – Siouxland is continuing to see a summer heatwave with highs into the upper 80s and low 90s and we’re expecting to see that heat continue. And it’s not just the heat, high humidity is adding an extra layer of danger to the heat.

These high levels of humidity, more specifically, relative humidity, which is the measurement of water vapor in the air compared to the maximum amount of water vapor air at a particular temperature can create dangerous conditions, especially as temperatures rise.

This is because you sweat to cool off, and with drier air, it’s easier for that moisture from sweat to evaporate, which in turn cools you and your body down. However, as moisture is increased and relative humidities are higher, the air is more saturated and can’t evaporate as much of that moisture from sweat and in turn inhibits your ability to cool down as effectively and can be extremely dangerous.

Even just 60% humidity with a temperature at 88° can make it feel like the mid 80s. Although the heat index chart is based on shady conditions with light winds, so heat indices could very well be as much as 15° higher in direct sunshine.

That being said, it’s crucial you know how to keep yourself and your family safe in dangerous heat and humidity.

First, know that Dew Point Temperature is a good indicator of humidity levels. Generally if the dew point is less than 60°, it’s increasingly more comfortable with lower humidity levels as that dew point temperature decreases.

Likewise, humidity and discomfort increases as dewpoints get above 60°. Once those dewpoints rise above 65°, you reach muggy territory where you can really feel the humidity in the air. This is when meteorologists grow especially concerned about dangerous heat. Dewpoints of 70° and above are muggy to even tropical or oppressive. Generally dewpoints rarely rise above the mid/upper 70s in Siouxland.

Over the next week or so, expecting to continue to see dew points in the upper 60s and low/mid 70s, very muggy and when paired with those highs expected to be in the upper 80s and low 90s, dangerous.

Now, the heat and humidity is dangerous to everyone, BUT, certain groups are especially vulnerable when it comes to excessive heat. This includes: newborns & young children, older/elderly adults, and those with chronic illnesses. Pregnant people, outdoor workers, and athletes are also particularly vulnerable to extreme heat.

For tips on keeping yourself, family, friends, or neighbors within these more vulnerable populations safe, visit the CDC Extreme Heat Risk Factors Information page.

Even if you aren’t within these groups, excessive or extreme heat is still a danger. In fact, according to data from the National Weather Service (NWS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), heat is the number one cause of weather-related fatalities in the United States. On average, between 183-188 heat-related fatalities occur every year. In 2023, that number was 207.

Heat-related fatalities and even just heat-related illnesses CAN be prevented by following a few basic safety tips to keep yourself cool and hydrated during a heat wave.

Keeping hydrated and cool during a heatwave and excessive heat is critical, however, another common cause of heat-related fatalities is hot cars. Many of those hot car fatalities are, unfortunately children. However this these hot car deaths are also preventable. Over half of hot car deaths are the result of a parent, guardian, or caregiver forgetting the child in the car.

There are ways to prevent these tragedies though. First and foremost, NEVER leave a child in a vehicle unattended, even for just a minute or two. Also teach your kids never to play in or around vehicles, always lock your car doors, and keep keys or key fobs out of reach of kids.

To prevent accidently leaving a child in a car, which can happen to anyone, get into the routine of checking your car thoroughly, including all carseats whenever you get out of the car. And if you need to, keep a stuffed animal in the carseat and when you’ve got your child in the carseat, place that stuffed animal up front with you.

You could also place your purse, briefcase, or cellphone in the backseat as a failsafe, especially if it’s out of routine to have your child in the car at a certain time (example: mom usually drops the baby off at daycare, but had to be to work early so dad is supposed to drop them off that morning). Also have a plan in place with your child’s daycare or childcare provider to have them call if your child doesn’t show up.

It’s also important to recognize the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses .

Humans aren’t the only ones vulnerable to extreme heat. Extra precautions should also be taken with all those furry, four-legged friends.

You should also know the signs and symptoms of heat illness in dogs and other pets as they are very different than in people.

Early signs of heatstroke in dogs, according to the American Kennel Club include: heavy panting, excessive drooling, dry mucous membranes, bright red gums and tongue, skin that’s hot to the touch and a higher heart rate. Dogs may become hyperactive and have trouble with balance.

As heatstroke worsens, dogs may show signs of shock, have pale mucous membranes, white or blue gums, a very fast heartrate, and/or a drop in blood pressure.

Symptoms of heatstroke in cats are nearly identical. So it’s important you protect those pets to prevent heatstroke. More tips on keeping your pets safe also be found on the American Kennel Club website .

You can find a variety of other heat safety resources at the following sites:

• NWS Heat Safety Page
• Ready.gov Heat Homepage
• CDC Heat Safety Homepage
• No Heat Stroke Website
• Heat.gov Homepage

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