Topic: heat exhaustion

Dangerously high heat scorches middle Tennessee, surrounding states

By Christine Anne Piesyk | August 8, 2007 |

No relief in sight. That’s the word from weather forecasters across the country as they track an unrelenting stretch of hot, humid weather with heat indexes of 110 degrees and higher.

Forecasters call for increasingly higher temperatures of 100 degrees or more through Friday, with high humidity pushing the “feels like” readings to 110 (higher in heat island areas). Even when the 100+ temps abate, the region will not experience a real cooldown. Forecasters are calling for highs in the mid to upper nineties to continue through next week. Combined with high humidity, heat indexes will remain in an unhealthy range. Compounding the problem is extremely poor air quality that has settled over the region. A stagnant haze of air pollution and ozone has settled in as solidly as the heat over Middle Tennessee. Nighttime temps will bring little relief, and are not expected to drop below the mid 70s. «Read the rest of this article»

Sections: Arts and Leisure, News | No Comments

High heat poses extreme health and safety hazard

By Christine Anne Piesyk | August 3, 2007 |

The National Weather Service has issued high heat warnings for middle Tennessee and the quad-state region for a period of time for Saturday and extending into the coming week. Daytime highs will range from 96 to 100 degrees, with high humidity and dewpoints, creating heat indexes in the 100-105 degree range, possibly higher in areas where the “heat island effect” may occur. The “heat island” effect most often occurs in urban areas where pavement, concrete and buildings “trap” heat and magnify temperatures by as much as six degrees over the surrounding area.

In a special weather statement issued late Friday night (Aug. 3), the NWS recommended using caution when undertaking any outdoor activities or travel during the upcoming days, and suggested timing necessary excursions for the coolest parts of the day, namely early morning or late evening. While the excessive heat is dangerous to everyone, the elderly, children, and people with health issues, high blood pressure an/or respiratory conditions are particularly susceptible to excessive heat.

“Checking on your neighbors” is a good idea, particularly if they are elderly or infirm and who may need assistance. Do not leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle for even a few minutes; interior temperatures in a closed vehicle can reach 140 degrees in a matter of minutes. Heat can kill. «Read the rest of this article»

Sections: News | No Comments