Lexington heat wave brings dangerous temperatures all week. Here's what to know
Central Kentucky is facing a dangerous heat wave this week, with temperatures soaring into the 90s and heat index values potentially reaching 115 degrees. Lexington has activated its heat plan and opened cooling resources as health officials warn about the risks of heat stroke.
Here are key things to know to stay safe this week:
- The National Weather Service upgraded its heat advisory to an extreme heat warning for Lexington at 11:47 a.m. Monday, with dangerously hot conditions expected to last until Thursday evening.
- Heat index values could reach between 100 and 115 degrees this week, with Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday expected to be the hottest days for heat-related illness risk.
- Lexington’s heat plan kicks in when the heat index hits 95 degrees or higher and will remain in effect through 9 p.m. Thursday, opening cooling stations and extending community center hours citywide.
- Lextran is providing free rides to cooling centers for homeless residents, and morning city trash collection will start an hour earlier at 4:30 a.m. to help workers avoid the worst heat.
- Heat stroke occurs when body temperature rises so high that organs start being affected, with the danger zone beginning around 103.5 to 104 degrees, according to Dr. Abhisek Patel with the University of Kentucky emergency medicine.
- Young children, people over 65, outdoor workers and those with chronic medical conditions are most at risk for heat stroke, which can cause lasting damage to strength, coordination and motor skills if not treated quickly.
- Symptoms of severe heat stroke can mimic a stroke, including slurred speech, difficulty walking or weakness on one side of the body — if someone shows these signs, call 911 immediately.
The summary points above are based on the reporting of Herald-Leader journalists. The roundup was produced with the assistance of AI. Herald-Leader reporters and an editor reviewed this story for accuracy. You can read more about our AI policy here.