Charleston outdoor workers endure hottest day of the year

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) – Charleston officially hit the highest temperature residents have seen all year on Wednesday with a peak temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Heat this intense could potentially be deadly for those who work outdoors for long periods of time, and with temperatures expected to hit the same marks on Thursday and Friday, it’s important to remember tips to keep cool while working in the heat wave.

The CDC recommends drinking eight ounces of water for every 20 minutes spent working in the heat. They also suggest that starting times for jobs be adjusted to either later or earlier in the day to avoid working in peak temperatures.

13 News spoke with Leroy Brothers, a construction worker pouring concrete on Wednesday, who said that his crew has to start earlier than normal on days with extreme heat.

“We’re doing things a couple hours earlier before our normal time of 8 a.m. Sometimes, we’ll come out at about 6 or 7 in the morning, that way things are a little bit cooler. That helps a lot,” said Brothers.

Daniel Loudin, a service technician of more than 20 years, also has some helpful advice for those who have to work in the heat.

“You want to try to stay out of direct sunlight as much as you can, and if you have to be in direct sunlight try to wear lighter colors. I try to keep an active fan on my job site just to keep air moving, because stagnant air is the hottest air. I also try to stay plenty hydrated with water. I try not to drink too many flavored drinks,” said Loudin.

The reason Loudin sticks with water is drinking sugary drinks like soda or energy drinks can dehydrate you fast.

This heat wave is expected to extend into Thursday and Friday before we start seeing cooler temperatures heading into next week.

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