In some parts of the country, a major heat wave will last until the weekend. Here’s what to do while the temperature remains high.
Slow temperatures from the Midwest to the East Coast
With heatwave warnings in effect nationwide, temperature inhaling has driven people to parks and fountains.
Forecasters are predicting the worst that a record heat wave could soon end, but millions still need to take precautions to keep them safe from the dangerous heat.
The most important thermal conditions are expected to continue in the Mid-Atlantic Ocean from the Central Atlantic to the Middle Atlantic on Friday, June 27th, according to the National Weather Service.
Accuweather Meteorologists said on Wednesday, June 25th that extreme heat could begin to sink in New England, the Midwest and plains, with temperatures dropping in the 70s and 80s.
For those still experiencing oppressive heat, here are some tips on how to find your own relief.
Save energy, but keep your home cool
The balance between staying cool and keeping energy costs low can be tricky in a heat wave when you’re sitting in front of a blast air conditioner.
Energy Star, the Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Efficiency Program, recommends setting your thermostat at 78 degrees when you wake up for several summer months to maximize efficiency.
Michael Weber, an engineering professor who studies energy at the University of Texas at Austin, said running more air conditioning in the mornings and evenings would pre-cool the house and less likely to peak in the afternoon.
“You can choose the right temperature and keep your home cool during the best times. These are essentially things you can do for free,” Weber said to stay comfortable and save on energy costs.
Portable electric fans can also help make your room feel cool, but the National Weather Service recommends you leave yourself when the room temperature exceeds 90 degrees. Dry, blowing air can lead to dehydration, the agency says.
If there is no air conditioning or it is not working, libraries, shopping malls, grocery stores and public cooling centres can also provide relief from burnt temperatures.
Be careful about your hydration
You might want to think twice before ordering that big iced coffee, or a margarita pitcher.
Hydration is the name of the game during the heat wave, and Betsy Koickel, chief medical officer at GoHealth Aurgent Care, said “excessive alcohol or caffeine intake can increase the risk of dehydration.”
The American Red Cross said the average person should drink about three-quarters of a gallon of water a day.
Koickel recommended drinking water before refilling with thirst and electrolyte replacement, especially if you plan to exercise or sit outside for extended periods of time.
Consistent water intake is especially important for people taking medications that can cause dehydration, such as several blood pressure medications, antidepressants, and antibiotics.
She also said easy-to-digest foods, such as fruits and salads, can help you stay hydrated.
If you need to wander outside, you can protect your skin by wearing sunscreen, loose and attractive hats that you often reapply, and choosing brightly colored clothes.
Be careful what you wear
The EPA recommends avoid direct exposure to the sun between 10am and 4pm, so that the sun’s rays are the strongest and cool off by taking frequent rests in the shade.
Remember the symptoms of heat exhaustion
In extreme cases, severe fever can lead to illness as the body struggles to regulate its temperature.
Early symptoms of heat damage, such as thirst, lightheads and headaches, can occur if not properly hydrated, Koickel said. Dark or dirty urine urine urine may be another sign of severe dehydration.
“If you don’t take steps to stay hydrated at that point, it can lead to fever fatigue. You may faint. You can start experiencing severe muscle cramps, excessive sweating.
When someone’s temperature reaches 100.4 degrees, a heat stroke can occur. If the fever illness reached that point, she recommended calling 911 or finding a doctor immediately.
Contributed by: Doyle Rice and Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today
