Residents across Rowan County and surrounding areas should prepare for an extended stretch of dangerous summer heat as meteorologists warn that a strong heat dome is expected to settle over Kentucky this week.
While air temperatures are expected to reach 100 to 105 degrees in some locations, the combination of heat and high humidity could push the heat index above 110 degrees, creating potentially life-threatening conditions for anyone spending extended time outdoors.
The hottest part of each day will generally occur between 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., when the risk of heat-related illnesses is at its highest.
Health officials are urging everyone to take extra precautions, especially:
Older adults
Infants and young children
Individuals with heart disease, lung disease, or other chronic medical conditions
Outdoor workers
Athletes
Pets
How to Stay Safe
To reduce your risk of heat-related illness:
Drink plenty of water throughout the day—even if you don't feel thirsty.
Avoid strenuous outdoor activities during the afternoon whenever possible.
Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing.
Take frequent breaks in air-conditioned buildings or shaded areas.
Never leave children, elderly adults, or pets in a parked vehicle, even for a few minutes. Interior temperatures can become deadly in a very short time.
Check on elderly relatives, neighbors, and those living alone to ensure they have a cool place to stay.
Bring pets indoors whenever possible and make sure they always have access to fresh, cool water.
Know the Warning Signs
Heat exhaustion may include:
Heavy sweating
Weakness or fatigue
Dizziness
Nausea
Muscle cramps
Headache
If left untreated, heat exhaustion can quickly progress to heat stroke, a medical emergency.
Signs of heat stroke include:
Body temperature above 103°F
Hot, red, or dry skin
Confusion or altered mental status
Seizures
Loss of consciousness
If you suspect someone is suffering from heat stroke, call 911 immediately. Move the person to a cooler location while waiting for emergency responders.
With several consecutive days of extreme heat expected, officials encourage everyone to stay weather-aware and take the forecast seriously. Even healthy individuals can become ill when exposed to prolonged heat and humidity.
The Morehead Minute will continue to monitor the forecast and provide updates if additional Heat Advisories or Extreme Heat Warnings are issued for our area.
This Heat Warning Is Brought To You By Fresh Start Health
