High temperatures and humidity will combine over the coming days to push the heat index past 100 degrees in the Williamsburg area, the National Weather Service in Wakefield warns.
According to the weather service’s latest forecast, Sunday will be sunny skies with high temperatures in the mid-90s and a heat index around 100 degrees. Monday is expected to be sunny with highs near 100 and a heat index around 105 degrees for several hours in the afternoon.
High temperatures are expected to dip into the low 90s for the rest of the week, forecasters say.
The weather service urges Williamsburg-are residents to limit any strenuous outdoor activities over the next two days to avoid the possibility of heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion or heatstroke.
Use these tips to beat the heat:
- Take frequent breaks, resting in the shade for at least 10 to 20 minutes for every 30 minutes of work or play.
- Drink about a quart of water every hour while working or playing in the heat.
- Be aware children and the elderly are more susceptible to heat.
- Some skin treatments, allergy medicines, psychiatric medicines, antibiotics, vitamins and herbs can also increase vulnerability to heat.
- Never leave children, pets or disabled adults in a parked vehicle.
High heat indices also increase the chances of suffering from heat exhaustion or heat stroke, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Use the following symptoms to determine if someone is suffering from heat exhaustion or heat stroke:
Heat exhaustion
- Heavy sweating
- Weakness
- Cool, pale, clammy skin
- Fast, weak pulse
- Possible muscle cramps
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fainting
How to treat
- Move victim to a cooler environment.
- Lay victim down and loosen clothing.
- Apply cool, wet cloths to as much of victim’s body as possible.
- Fan or move victim to an air-conditioned room.
- Offer sips of water.
- If a victim vomits more than once, seek immediate medical attention.
Heat stroke
- Altered mental state
- One or more of the following symptons: throbbing headache, confusion, nausea, dizziness, shallow breathing
- Body temperature above 103° Fahrenheit
- Hot, red, dry or moist skin
- Rapid and strong pulse
- Fainting, loss of consciousness
How to treat
- Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency. Call 911 or get the victim to a hospital immediately. Delays can be fatal.
- Move the victim to a cooler, preferably air-conditioned, environment.
- Reduce victim’s body temperature with cool cloths or bath.
- Use a fan if heat-index temperatures are below the high 90s. A fan can make a person hotter at higher temperatures.
- DO NOT give fluids.
