Heat Advisory Issued for Tuesday

(KNSI) — The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for Sherburne and Wright counties on Tuesday.

High temperatures in the mid to upper 90s and blazing sunshine will make for a scorcher. Heat index values are expected to hit the low triple digits. The heat advisory is in effect from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Experts say 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. Take extra precautions 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 lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments and knowing the signs of heat-related illnesses.

Children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses are especially vulnerable to heat exposure. During sweltering and humid weather, your body loses its ability to cool itself. Heat-related illnesses happen when the body heats too quickly to cool itself properly or when too much fluid or salt is lost through dehydration or sweating.

Heat cramps can be the first sign something is wrong. Heat cramps are indicated by heavy sweating and painful muscle cramps or spasms, mainly in the legs or abdomen. Massaging or applying firm, direct pressure on the cramping muscles can relieve some stress. Unless there is also a feeling of nausea, slowly sipping – not gulping – cold water can also help.

A more severe form of heat-related illness is heat exhaustion. That is indicated by heavy sweating, weakness, tiredness, cool, clammy, pale skin with a fast, weak pulse, muscle cramps, dizziness, nausea, or vomiting. Severe headaches and fainting can also occur.

When someone is suffering from heat exhaustion, they should be moved into an air-conditioned room with their clothing loosened, and cool, wet cloths applied to their neck, wrists, and under their armpits, or put the person in a cool bath and offer them sips of cold water.

Heatstroke is the most severe form of heat-related illness. Symptoms include throbbing headache, confusion, nausea, dizziness, and a body temperature of over 103 degrees. Hot, dry, or damp skin, a strong, fast pulse, and fainting are signs.

When someone is suffering from heatstroke, health experts say to call 911 or get them to a hospital right away. Getting the person into an air-conditioned room, cold cloths, or a cool bath can help lower body temp. Delay in care can be fatal. In 2001, Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Korey Stringer died from heat stroke-related complications during summer training camp in Mankato.

For more on heat-related illnesses and treatment, click here.

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