Beat the Heat with Sunny
Part of our area is under a heat advisory this weekend, meaning that you’re more at risk for things like heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Look for symptoms like headaches, muscle cramps, uncontrollable sweating, and rapid heartbeat for heat exhaustion. The next step is heat stroke, which is more serious and includes symptoms like confusion, dizziness, and losing consciousness. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these things, move to an air-conditioned room and call 911.
Check out the full tips at the American Red Cross heat wave page.
Seven tips for surviving a heatwave from the American Red Cross
1. Have a plan for if the power goes out. Power outages are common during heat waves so have a plan for wherever you might be, like home, work, or school. The Red Cross website has a good breakdown on how to prepare for a power outage.
2. If you don’t have air conditioning, have a list of places you can go to for relief during the hottest part of the day, places like Starbucks, a library, or a mall.
3. Never leave kids or pets alone in a car. And check on your kids and animals frequently to make sure they’re not suffering from the heat and have plenty of water.
4. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids even if you don’t feel thirsty. And avoid caffeine or alcohol.
5. Eat smaller meals more often instead of two or three big meals.
6. If you have to work outdoors, take lots of breaks or use a buddy system.
7. Check on family, friends, and neighbors who don’t have air conditioning or live alone.
Jefferson and Clarion Counties, PA – Jefferson and Clarion Counties will both be under a heat advisory from the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, starting today at noon and lasting until Saturday evening.
The heat index values will be near or above 104, as the actual temperatures will peak around the lower 90s and have dewpoints in the lower 70s.
All of this combined could lead to dangerous situations, especially for anyone who is outdoors on Friday and Saturday for a long time or for people who don’t have access to air conditioning.
Heatstroke, heat exhaustion, and other heat-related illnesses are a possibility.
Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check on your friends and neighbors.
URGENT – WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Pittsburgh PA
406 AM EDT Fri Jul 19 2019
…HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 8 PM EDT
SATURDAY…
* HEAT INDEX VALUES…Up to 104 due to temperatures in the lower
90s, and dewpoints in the lower 70s.
* TIMING…this afternoon into early evening, and again Saturday
afternoon into early evening.
* IMPACTS…The heat and humidity may cause heat stress during
outdoor exertion or extended exposure.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
If you work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule
strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs
and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear light
weight and loose fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty
of water.
