The National Weather Service has issued a statement regarding an incoming rise in temperatures beginning Sunday, including tips to avoid heat-related issues, and the Humane Society of Clinton County addressed safety for animals during the higher heat indexes.
The National Weather Service announced that an extended period of low to possibly upper 90s and high humidity is expected to last through the end of next week beginning Sunday, and the service released a series of tips to avoid heat-related incidents.
The service encouraged Hoosiers to hydrate by drinking plenty of water or sports drink, protect themselves by wearing light clothing, using sunscreen and wearing sunglasses, plan ahead by scheduling activities during the cooler parts of the day and ensure the safety of others by monitoring pets and elderly community members during the heat.
The service stated that Hoosiers should avoid big meals or high protein meals that raise body heat, caffeine or alcohol that speed up dehydration, overworking themselves by taking frequent breaks when outdoors and leaving children or pets in a vehicle due to the rise in temperature that will occur within the vehicle that can cause heat-related injuries, conditions or death.
The Humane Society of Clinton County issued a reminder for community members to ensure that animals are wearing proper protective gear and avoiding problem areas during the heat, including concrete and asphalt.
“The weather is going to be amazing these next few days, and people will probably want to enjoy it with their fur babies,” the organization released. “Just please keep in mind how much hotter it is for them, and that it may be best to leave them at home in the cool air during this time.”
The Humane Society released a chart detailing how concrete and asphalt temperatures drastically exceed the projected temperature of the air. In 80-degree weather, concrete is estimated to be 95-degrees while asphalt is 115-degrees. In 85-degree weather, concrete is estimated to be 105-degrees while asphalt is 130-degrees. In 90-degree weather, concrete is estimated to be 125-degrees while asphalt is 140-degrees. In 95-degree weather, concrete is estimated to be 140-degrees while asphalt is 155-degrees.
According to Pupford, community members may test the pavement through the “seven-second test” where they touch the pavement with the back of their hand for seven second, and if the pavement is too hot to touch for seven seconds, then the pavement is far too hot for an animal’s paws.