Weekend: hot, hot, hot
Published 10:14 pm Thursday, July 20, 2017
Friday and the weekend will bring more high temperatures with heat indexes soaring well into the triple digits.
It’s typical for July in Virginia, but an offshore high-pressure system is promoting a lot of heat being pumped up from farther south, National Weather Service Wakefield meteorologist John McGee said on Thursday.
“Climatologically, this is our hottest time frame of the year,” he said.
Friday is expected to have a high of 97, with a heat index as high as 105. On Saturday, the high will also be around 97 with a heat index as high as 108.
“Friday, Saturday and Sunday look to be pretty hot,” McGee said. “Temperatures will be in the 95- to 100-degree range.”
With humidity factored in, it will feel like the heat index for that day, McGee noted.
The National Weather Service warned that prolonged exposure or any strenuous activity may lead to heat-related illnesses that require immediate medical attention, according to the heat advisory.
The advisory urged people to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun and check on relatives and neighbors.
“The big one is stay hydrated,” McGee said. “Drink lots of water and stay away from the caffeinated and alcoholic beverages.
McGee also advised folks to wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothes.
“Limit your activities outside during the hottest part of the day,” he said. “Get any work you have to get done early or late in the evening.”
The heat advisory also urged people to know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include faintness or dizziness, nausea or vomiting, heavy sweating, cold and clammy skin, weak and rapid pulse, pale or flushed face, muscle cramps, headache and weakness.
In heat stroke, the body temperature rises to 104 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Those affected may have an altered mental state or behavior, rapid breathing, headache, seizures, flushed skin and racing heart rate.
For heat exhaustion, move the person out of the heat and into a shady or air-conditioned place, remove excess clothing, have them drink cool water and spray or sponge them with cool water. For heat stroke, call 911 and get the person indoors, while waiting for emergency personnel. Remove excess clothing and cool them with whatever means available.