Stay hydrated: It’s going to be a long, hot July for much of U.S.

Heat indices will make it feel like 100+ degrees across most of the South for the next week
Stock image of 2 people taking a moment to recover from exercise in the high heat of the day.

Stock image of 2 people taking a moment to recover from exercise in the high heat of the day. (Image credit: istock)

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Cue the ice cubes: NOAA forecasters are predicting the current heat wave will continue to engulf parts of the Desert Southwest, the entire Southeast to the East Coast, and the Central and Southern Plains over the next seven days … and likely longer.

As of this morning (July 10), about 70 million people are under an excessive heat watch or warning, or heat advisory — and that number is expected to increase each day through July 17. Hot and humid conditions are likely to persist with much-above-normal temperatures predicted for much of the country during the last two weeks of July.

During extremely hot and humid weather, your body's ability to cool itself is challenged. When the body heats too rapidly to cool itself properly, or when too much fluid or salt is lost through dehydration or sweating, body temperature rises and you or someone you care about may experience a heat-related illness. It is important to know the symptoms of excessive heat exposure and the appropriate responses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides a list of warning signs and symptoms of heat
During extremely hot and humid weather, your body's ability to cool itself is challenged. When the body heats too rapidly to cool itself properly, or when too much fluid or salt is lost through dehydration or sweating, body temperature rises and you or someone you care about may experience a heat-related illness. It is important to know the symptoms of excessive heat exposure and the appropriate responses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides a list of warning signs and symptoms of heat illness, and recommended first aid steps. For downloadable files of this graphic in English and Spanish, including text version of signs and symptoms, please visit www.weather.gov/safety/heat-illness. (NOAA National Weather Service)
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Heat waves can be deadly. Here are 3 ways to keep healthy.

Heat is one of the leading weather-related killers in the United States, with hundreds of deaths each year and even more people sickened by heat-related illness. 

  1. Before stepping out the door, know the signs and symptoms of heatstroke (a medical emergency) versus heat exhaustion.

  2. Check the latest weather forecast and heat indices for the coming days. The Heat Index is what the temperature feels like to the human body and not necessarily what the thermometer says. It is measured by combining relative humidity with the air temperature. Note: Because the heat index was created for shady, lightly windy conditions, being in full sunshine can make it feel up to 15 degrees F higher than the day’s forecasted heat index.

  3. Review these tips on actions to take in during extreme heat events. *Remember, it is never safe to leave a child, older person or pet in a parked vehicle alone because the inside of a vehicle can get dangerously — and lethally — hot. 

        Please: Always check the backseat.

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