The National Weather Service has issued extreme heat warnings for millions of Americans in several major cities in the Midwest and Northeast. Included in this list are Boston, Chicago, Detroit, and New York. So try to stay hydrated, as a multi-day heat wave is expected to bring dangerous, possibly record-breaking, triple-digit temperatures.
NWS’s Heat Warnings
For example, the National Weather Service issued an extreme heat warning for the entire Chicago area, and it will remain in effect until Thursday evening. For instance, on Tuesday, temps are forecast to reach the upper 90s, with heat index values between 103 ° and 108 °.
The National Weather Service issued an extreme heat warning for New York City for Wednesday, when it’s expected to hit triple digits. The heat index values are expected to reach around 110 degrees, with a slight drop in temp overnight.
Additionally, several parts of Illinois, Ohio, Missouri, Wisconsin, and some other states were placed under the National Weather Service’s highest level of heat risk for June 30. Some parts warn of a risk of a “rare level of extreme heat” that could be dangerous for the entire population without proper cooling and hydration.
Extreme heat can cause anyone to experience heat-related illnesses, like heat stroke or heat exhaustion. However, some people are more susceptible than others. For example, individuals with asthma or heart disease, young children, pregnant women, seniors over the age of 65, and people working outside in the heat.
Stay Cool
The Centers for Disease Control has recommended that those living in areas with heat warnings take active steps to stay cool. This includes remaining indoors with proper air conditioning, staying in the shade, and drinking plenty of fluids. However, it is advisable to limit beverages with high caffeine, sugar, or alcohol.
Furthermore, those facing extreme heat warnings should be on the lookout for these symptoms: heat exhaustion can commonly cause nausea, dizziness, headaches, and sweating, while heat stroke causes slurred speech, seizures, confusion, and even loss of consciousness.
The Washington, D.C. metropolitan area is expected to experience extreme heat by the start of the Independence Day holiday weekend. The extreme heat could break Fourth of July records in the city, and possibly threaten festivities for the country’s 250th anniversary.
By Sheena
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USA Today: Extreme heat warning issued for NYC. Here’s what to know
ABC7 News: Chicago weather: Extreme Heat Warning in effect for entire area
Image by Tom Shockey Courtesy of Flickr – Creative Commons
