UPDATE: The National Weather Service in Paducah has issued an Excessive Heat Warning, which is in effect from noon Thursday to 7 p.m. CDT Sunday. The Excessive Heat Watch is no longer in effect.
* TEMPERATURE…Maximum afternoon heat index values from around
105 to 110 degrees are expected Thursday through Sunday.
* IMPACTS…Dangerously high temperatures and humidity could quickly cause heat stress or heat stroke if precautions are not taken. The very young, the elderly, those without air conditioning, and those participating in strenuous outdoor activities will be the most susceptible. The effects will worsen with each successive day of the heat and humidity. Also, car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.
An Excessive Heat Warning means that a prolonged period of dangerously hot temperatures will occur. The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a dangerous situation in which heat illnesses are likely.
Drink plenty of fluids…stay in an air-conditioned room…stay out of the sun… and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. This is especially true during warm or hot weather when car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes
An Excessive Heat Watch means that a prolonged period of hot temperatures is expected. The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a dangerous situation in which heat illnesses are possible.
Drink plenty of fluids…stay in an air-conditioned room…stay out of the sun…and check up on relatives and neighbors.
Never leave pets, children or the elderly unattended in parked vehicles. Take extra precautions…if you work or spend time outside. When possible…reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water. To reduce risk during outdoor work…the occupational safety and health administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.
Heatstroke is an emergency…call 9 1 1.
According to a National Weather Service special weather statement, temperatures today will reach 90 degrees, but very high humidity levels will contribute to a potentially hazardous heat index around 100 degrees this afternoon.
Heat will continue to build Thursday into the weekend. An Excessive Heat Watch is in effect for that time period. NWS recommends people stay hydrated during this upcoming heat wave by drinking plenty of fluids and take frequent rest breaks in the shade if needing to work outdoors, or reschedule strenuous activity for a cooler time of day.
