SOUTH BEND — An excessive heat watch for Tuesday will bring air temperatures into the mid-90s to as high as 100 with a heat index well past 100 degrees, giving area residents the hottest feel of the season.
Andrew Whitmyer, meteorologist with The Tribune's newsgathering partner, WNDU-TV , said in his website weather notes that the area's hottest heat index of the summer will arrive Tuesday afternoon, with people in direct sunlight facing heat indexes between 105 to 115 degrees .
Tuesday may have a slight chance of storms, but, Whitmyer said, the wet weather should stay north of the South Bend area, with better chances of storms here later on Thursday night into Friday.
The National Weather Service in South Bend has issued an excessive heat watch from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday for the entire state . The temperature can reach 97, with heat index readings of at least 105, according to the NWS.
Wednesday and Thursday's highs will remain near 90, but the NWS said a cold front will bring on the chance of rain, and temperatures are predicted to be 83 on Friday.
The St. Joseph County Health Department on Monday issued a public health advisory, calling on South Bend area residents to avoid extreme heat outdoors that can cause serious health problems that can be life-threatening for many age groups.
County health officials urge people to:
■ Wear appropriate clothing that is light and breathable.
■ Stay in cooler areas, such as indoors or shaded areas.
■ Apply sunscreen to all exposed areas of skin.
■ Do not leave children or pets in vehicles, even if the air-conditioning units are on.
■ Avoid hot and heavy meals.
■ Drink plenty of water and refrain from drinking sugary or alcoholic drinks.
■ Keep water for all pets, and check the surface of sidewalks and asphalt parking lots for hot temperatures before walking on them.
■ Check in on people who may be at high risk of suffering from a heat-related illness. These people would likely be young children, older adults, people with chronic conditions and others without air-conditioned places.
The Health Department stressed that all people should try to know possible signs of heat-related illnesses: They include skin irritation, muscle pain or spasms, fatigue and irritability, extreme thirst, headaches, nausea, confusion, slurred speech, unconsciousness, or seizures.
South Bend will have its community centers open as cooling centers :
Charles Black Community Center
■ Where: 3419 W. Washington St.
■ Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays; closed Saturdays and Sundays
■ Special hours: Closed Labor Day (Sept. 2)
■ For more information: Call 574-235-9446 or visit sbvpa.org/places/lasalle-park/charles-black-recreation-center .
Howard Park Event Center
■ Where: 604 E. Jefferson Blvd.
■ Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays
■ Special hours: Labor Day hours TBD
■ For more information: Call 574-299-4765 or visit sbvpa.org/kba-links/howard-park-event-center-information .
O’Brien Fitness Center
■ Where: 321 E. Walter St.
■ Hours: 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 5 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Fridays, 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays
■ Special hours: Labor Day hours TBD
■ For more information: Call 574-299-3482 or visit sbvpa.org/places/obrien-park/obrien-fitness-center .
Pinhook Community Center
■ Where: 2801 Riverside Drive
■ Hours: Times vary, and hours are typically by appointment
■ For more information: Call 574-235-9428 or visit sbvpa.org/places/pinhook-park/pinhook-community-center .
Others also are encouraged to look for cool spots, such as malls and the area's public library branches. For St. Joseph County Public Library locations and times, call 574-282-4646 or visit sjcpl.org .
Email Tribune staff writer Greg Swiercz at gswiercz@sbtinfo.com .
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Excessive heat advisory Tuesday for South Bend area. Here's what to look for to stay cool.
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