Heat index could reach 110 in Lexington Tuesday. Do you know the signs of heat stroke?
Much of Kentucky is forecast to experience heat index temperatures between 105 and 109 degrees Tuesday and Wednesday, according to a heat advisory issued by the National Weather Service Monday.
The warning, which advises the heat index could reach as high as 110 degrees Tuesday, includes Fayette and neighboring counties. The full list includes Franklin, Scott, Harrison, Anderson, Woodfood, Bourbon, Nicholas, Washington, Mercer, Jessamine, Clark, Marion, Boyle, Garrard, Madison, Taylor, Casey, Lincoln, Adair, Russell, Cumberland and Clinton counties.
Here’s what else you need to know about heat indices and how to stay safe.
What is the heat index and why is it important to be aware of?
You may have heard the phrase: “It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity.”
In fact, it’s both.
According to the National Weather Service, the heat index is what the temperature is like to the human body when factoring in relative humidity with the air temperature. It’s also called the apparent temperature. You can also think of it as the degree of stress put on the human body during these conditions.
You might know perspiration is how the body cools itself when it gets too hot. As your body begins to sweat, those beads of perspiration evaporate and carry away heat, thus cooling the surface of your skin.
Of course, you don’t get this benefit if your sweat can’t evaporate, which is why high humidity combined with high temperatures can be so dangerous. If the body can’t cool itself down with evaporating sweat because the air is already saturated with water vapor, it loses its ability to regulate its temperature.
According to the NWS, heat indices at or higher than 103 degrees can lead to dangerous heat disorders prompted by prolonged exposure or physical activity in the heat.
Heat exhaustion vs. heat stroke
Heat exhaustion is the body’s response to an excessive loss of water and salt, typically through excessive sweating, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Heat exhaustion is most likely to affect the elderly, people with high blood pressure and those working outdoors in the heat.
The telltale signs of heat exhaustion include:
Headache
Nausea
Dizziness
Weakness
Irritability
Thirst
Heavy sweating
Elevated body temperature
Decreased urine output
According to the CDC, you treat people with heat exhaustion by removing them from the hot area, giving them cool liquids to drink and removing their unnecessary clothing, including their shoes and socks.
Take the person to a clinic or emergency room or call 911, if necessary.
Heat stroke, on the other hand, is the more severe version of heat exhaustion.
According to the CDC, heat stroke happens when the body can no longer control its temperature. The body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails and the body can’t cool down. When this happens, the body’s temperature can rise to 106 degrees or higher within 10 to 15 minutes.
Heat stroke can cause permanent disability or death if the person does not receive emergency treatment, according to the CDC.
What should you do to stay safe during a heat advisory?
The NWS advises people to avoid extended time outdoors – especially young children and pets. Under no circumstances should children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles.
Drink plenty of water, stay in an air-conditioned room if you can and check up on your relatives and neighbors.
If you must work outside, take frequent breaks in the shade or indoors, wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing, and most importantly, know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. If you can, put off cutting the grass or doing other yard work until a cooler day.
Anyone experiencing a heat disorder should be moved to a cool, shady area. If they’re experiencing heat stroke, call 911.
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This story was originally published June 13, 2022 at 1:37 PM.