Severe Weather Awareness Week Closes With Warning on Extreme Heat

(KNSI) – When Minnesotans think of summer weather hazards, thunderstorms and tornadoes usually come to mind first, but forecasters say another threat quietly rivals them both.

Extreme heat is the focus of the final day of Severe Weather Awareness Week. Meteorologist Ryan Dunleavy with the National Weather Service office in Chanhassen says extreme heat has proven to be one of the deadliest weather events in the state over the past three decades. “It’s the third greatest number of weather fatalities in Minnesota since 1990. And that is due to excessive heat. 19 people have died from high heat and humidity and only tornadoes and flooding have killed more people in the last 30 years.”

Dunleavy says the danger goes beyond what a thermometer reads. He says the dew point, relative humidity, and what’s called the wet bulb globe temperature all factor into how dangerous a hot day really is.
Vulnerable populations face the greatest risk. Dunleavy says people with pre-existing health conditions, the elderly, young children, and animals can all struggle when temperatures climb, especially those without quick access to air conditioning or drinking water.

For anyone planning to be outside on a hot summer day, whether cutting the lawn or tackling a house project, Dunleavy’s advice is straightforward. “If it’s a hot day, wear that light clothing, have accessible water. Stay hydrated is the most important thing you can do. And if it’s really hot, take extra breaks. There’s nothing wrong with sitting in the shade for an extra couple of minutes just to keep yourself cool. Because the task will eventually get done.”

Dunleavy also reminds Minnesotans to wear sunscreen after a long winter, and says now is a good time for families to review their hot-weather action plans before summer arrives.

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