A dangerous heat wave will continue through Wednesday evening, with the entire area under an Extreme Heat Warning.
Temperatures themselves will touch the upper 90’s across the region, with some places getting close to 100 degrees—that paired with extreme humidity will push the heat index values up around 110 degrees, with upwards of 118 degrees possible. Those conditions can quickly become dangerous, especially to vulnerable populations, as the risk of high related illnesses greatly increase.
Hopkinsville Fire and EMS Captain Payton Rogers says while folks around here are used to hot summers, this is different, as the prolonged heat with no real relief at night makes it harder for your body to recover, meaning even those who normally aren’t susceptible to heat, now are.
He says make sure you’re taking frequent breaks in air-conditioning—maybe just stay inside if you can—and drink more water than you think you might need.
Captain Rogers says it helps to know the symptoms of heat exhaustion, such as weakness, profusely sweating, or cramping, so you can act quickly to avoid the more dangerous, and potentially deadly, heat stroke.
Never, ever leave pets or children alone in an unattended vehicle, as temperatures inside of that enclosed scape can become fatal within minutes. Anyone overcome by heat should move to a cool location out of the sun, and heat stroke is a real emergency that requires immediate medical attention.
The Extreme Heat Warning continues until 8 p.m. Wednesday, before a cold front will push through the area, bringing storms and cooler temperatures.