A National Weather Service Excessive Heat Warning has been issued for western Kentucky and officials are reminding local citizens to take steps to keep themselves and their families healthy and safe.
The warning is in effect from noon Thursday through 7 p.m. Sunday, with temperatures in the 90’s to combine with humidity to create heat index values of 105 to 110 degrees.
Amanda Bassingthwaite of the Christian County Health Department says drink plenty of fluids to remain hydrated if you must work outdoors the next few days and get the work done in the morning or evening, if possible.
Never leave a child or pet in an unattended vehicle and be sure outdoor pets have shelter from the sun and a constant supply of water.
It’s also a good idea to check in on elderly family members and neighbors during the heat wave to be sure they are doing okay.
Heat Warning Message from NWS:
…EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON THURSDAY TO 7 PM
CDT SUNDAY…
The National Weather Service in Paducah has issued an Excessive
Heat Warning, which is in effect from noon Thursday to 7 PM CDT
Sunday. The Excessive Heat Watch is no longer in effect.
* TEMPERATURE…Maximum afternoon heat index values from around
105 to 110 degrees are expected Thursday through Sunday.
* IMPACTS…Dangerously high temperatures and humidity could
quickly cause heat stress or heat stroke if precautions are not
taken. The very young, the elderly, those without air
conditioning, and those participating in strenuous outdoor
activities will be the most susceptible. The effects will worsen
with each successive day of the heat and humidity. Also, car
interiors can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
An Excessive Heat Watch means that a prolonged period of hot
temperatures is expected. The combination of hot temperatures and
high humidity will combine to create a dangerous situation in
which heat illnesses are possible.
Drink plenty of fluids…stay in an air-conditioned room…stay
out of the sun…and check up on relatives and neighbors.
Never leave pets, children or the elderly unattended in parked
vehicles.
Take extra precautions…if you work or spend time outside. When
possible…reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or
evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat
stroke. Wear light weight and loose fitting clothing when
possible and drink plenty of water.
To reduce risk during outdoor work…the occupational safety and
health administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks
in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat
should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an
emergency…call 9 1 1.
An Excessive Heat Warning means that a prolonged period of
dangerously hot temperatures will occur. The combination of hot
temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a dangerous
situation in which heat illnesses are likely. Drink plenty of
fluids…stay in an air-conditioned room…stay out of the sun…
and check up on relatives and neighbors.
Young children and pets should never be left unattended in
vehicles under any circumstances. This is especially true during
warm or hot weather when car interiors can reach lethal
temperatures in a matter of minutes.