A dangerously high mixture of heat and humidity continue to plague a large chunk of the nation, with the Chicago area and I-95 corridor between Washington, DC and Boston, MA sweating up a storm with excessive readings.
Due to the extreme heat, the National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for Philadelphia, New York City, Chicago, all of lower Michigan, portions of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Missouri, Kansas, and Arkansas. In this region, heat index values of 103 to 108 degrees are expected tomorrow with air temperatures in the middle to upper 90s. Dew points will be in the upper 60s to low 70s; any dew point value greater than 70 is very uncomfortable. The highest heat index values will occur from the late tomorrow morning into the early evening.
The heat and humidity may cause heat stress during outdoor exertion or extended exposure and the National Weather Service urges people to take extra precautions. 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. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency worthy of a call to 9 1 1.
An Excessive Heat Warning means that a prolonged period of dangerously hot temperatures will occur. The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a dangerous situation in which heat illnesses are likely. The National Weather Service urges that people drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. This is especially true during warm or hot weather when car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.
