Residents across Frankfort and much of central Indiana are being urged to take precautions as a Heat Advisory remains in effect until 8 p.m. EDT Thursday, while an Air Quality Action Day has also been issued from midnight Thursday night through midnight Friday night.
According to the National Weather Service in Indianapolis, heat index values are expected to reach up to 100 degrees Thursday afternoon. Hot temperatures combined with high humidity can increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, especially for those working or spending extended periods outdoors.
The Heat Advisory includes much of central Indiana, including Carroll, Tippecanoe, Clinton, Howard, Montgomery, Boone, Tipton, Hamilton, Madison, Delaware, Randolph, Putnam, Hendricks, Marion, Hancock, and Henry counties, including the communities of Frankfort, Lafayette, Kokomo, Indianapolis, Noblesville, Anderson, Muncie, Carmel, Fishers, Lebanon, Crawfordsville, and surrounding areas.
Weekend Outlook
The summer heat isn’t going away just yet. Forecasts indicate heat index values nearing 100 degrees are possible again Friday and Saturday.
In addition, chances for showers and thunderstorms will return Friday afternoon and continue through the weekend. While widespread severe weather is not expected at this time, a few strong thunderstorms cannot be ruled out Saturday evening, with the potential for isolated damaging wind gusts.
Air Quality Action Day
The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has declared an Air Quality Action Day for a large portion of central and west-central Indiana, including Frankfort and surrounding communities.
The alert has been issued due to elevated levels of fine particulate matter (PM 2.5), with air quality expected to reach the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category.
People most at risk include:
- Children who are active outdoors
- Older adults
- Individuals with asthma or other respiratory conditions
Sensitive groups are encouraged to limit prolonged outdoor activity, especially during periods of poor air quality.
How to Stay Safe
Residents are encouraged to take the following precautions during the heat and air quality alerts:
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Take frequent breaks indoors or in shaded areas.
- Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.
- Limit strenuous outdoor activities to the early morning or evening hours.
- Check on elderly relatives, neighbors, and those without adequate air conditioning.
- Walk, bike, carpool, or use public transportation when possible.
- Combine errands into one trip and avoid unnecessary driving.
- Avoid refueling vehicles or using gasoline-powered lawn equipment until after 7 p.m.
- Turn off vehicle engines instead of idling for more than 30 seconds.
- Conserve electricity by turning off unnecessary lights and setting air conditioners to 75 degrees or higher when practical.
Residents are encouraged to continue monitoring local forecasts and be prepared for changing weather conditions through the weekend.