As temperature rise, precautions issued
Temperatures outside have been hot, and they’re only going to get hotter over the next several weeks.
Taylor Black, Jackson-based meteorologist for the National Weather Service, said temperatures are increasing this week, bringing temps to the mid-90s by Friday.
“Throughout the rest of the week, we can expect scattered showers and storms, and temperatures will continue to increase,” she said.
With humidity mixed in the air, there will also be some chances for storms this week.
The high for today is 92 degrees with mostly sunny skies, but the heat index is expected to make it feel like 98 degrees.
Wednesday, the high is 91 degrees with a 30% chance of storms in the afternoon.
On Thursday, which is Independence Day, there is a 40% chance of of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon, but nothing severe.
By Friday, the chances for rain will be over and temperatures are expected to reach 94 degrees with mostly sunny skies, and by Saturday, the temperatures are expected to reach 95 degrees with a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms that day.
With the heat and humidity, people should stay hydrated and avoid strenuous, outdoor activities as much as possible. The peak of the heat during the day is from late morning through the afternoon.
In a story printed in the Delta Democrat-Times in July 2017, former Washington County Office of Emergency Management deputy director Tammy Reed said those who will be outdoors for an expended period of time — whether for work or play — need to heed extra caution.
One cheap and easy method for folks to keep cool, she said, is to place a cool, damp rag on their necks.
For people working outdoors, Reed recommended keeping a close on their coworkers in case of heat cramps or heat stroke.
“You can get so busy working and you don’t check what people are doing around you, and you can have one drop really quick. You have got to stay hydrated if you’re out working in this heat,” she previously said.
Heat cramps symptoms include painful muscle cramps and spasms usually in the leg or abdomen regions; heat exhaustion symptoms include heavy sweating, weakness, fast, weak pulse, dizziness, nausea or vomiting and fainting.
Heat stroke symptoms include an altered mental state, body temperature above 103 degrees, hot, red dry or moist skin, loss of consciousness and a fast, rapid pulse.
If anyone experiences any of these symptoms, they need to call 911 immediately. For those aiding someone else, move the person to a cool area, lay them down and loosen clothes, apply cool, wet cloths to as much of the body as possible and give water when needed.
For those with pets at home, animals need to be given cool, fresh water daily and have plenty of shade. Elderly neighbors should also be checked on regularly
And for people with children, Reed also said, “You hate to say it, but look before you lock. Don’t lock your car until you’ve checked the backseat.”
The American Red Cross on their website, redcross.org, recommends regularly listening to local weather forecasts, staying aware of both the temperature and heat index; discussing heat safety precautions with those they live with; obtain an emergency disaster kit in case a power outage occurs; finding public spaces with air conditioning in case of a power outage; wear loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothing; eat smaller meals and eat more frequently; stay hydrated with plenty of fluids and avoid caffeine and alcohol; and never leave pets or children inside vehicles.
