A massive heat dome enveloping much of the central and eastern U.S. this week will lead to levels of heat and humidity not seen in June in many years, warn AccuWeather meteorologists.
Heat index values as high as 100 to 105 are expected each day with low temperatures remaining at or above 75 degrees each night. This affects portions of central, east central, north central, south central, southeast, southwest, and west central Indiana and will last until 8 PM EDT Friday.
Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends drinking plenty of water, stay in an air-conditioned environment, try to stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Extra precautions should be taken when outside. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing and try to limit strenuous activities to the early morning or evening time. Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration also recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned when working in outdoor environments. Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency- Call 9 1 1.
As you take precautions to protect yourself from the weather, remember to include pets in your plans, too. Heat waves can pose the same kinds of risks to animals as they do to humans, says Michael San Filippo, a spokesperson for the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Generally, he says, pets with longer or darker fur and those with flat or pushed-in faces, like pugs or Persian cats, may have extra trouble managing heat. Pets that are older, obese or have certain medical conditions could also face a higher risk of heat stroke.
There are precautions you can take, like keeping your pet off hot asphalt (hot asphalt can burn paws), out of parked cars and shielded from the sun. Make sure to give your pet access to shade and cold water while outside. The Humane Society advises adding ice to water when possible, and says tree shade and tarps are ideal because they don’t obstruct air flow. A doghouse does not provide relief from heat, it adds -In fact, it makes it worse.