The heart of Northern Michigan's heatwave arrives Wednesday with temperatures skyrocketing in almost all locations, including the beaches into the 90's.
Every county in the 7&4 viewing area (except for Chippewa/Mackinac counties) is under either an Excessive Heat Advisory or south of US-10, an Excessive Heat Warning. Temperatures will range from 88 at Rudyard/Kincheloe to as hot as 99F at Traverse City/Bellaire Wednesday afternoon. Once you factor in the humidity/dewpoint, the Heat Index (what it feels like will spike between 100-106F, dangerous levels).
More details on the weather event Wednesday can be found by CLICKING HERE.
There are signs that we will slowly see the temperatures going down into the weekend, with highs by Saturday in the mid-80's. A cold front will sweep in rain/thunderstorms Saturday night/Sunday with high temperatures early next week, back where they should be, in the low-80's.
Those with outdoor plans through the week should remember to take plenty of breaks and stay well hydrated.
Also remember: NEVER leave children or pets inside vehicles where internal temperatures can quickly exceed 120ºF. There are indications that the large ridge responsible for the heat will get shunted south of us heading into the weekend bringing some cooler temperatures back to Northern Michigan.
Health officials are also issuing tips to make sure everyone stays safe in the heat. Carol Paxton, Director of Emergency Preparedness for the Health Department of Northwest Michigan says the best defense against heat-related illness is prevention.
"Staying cool and making simple changes in your fluid intake, activities, and clothing during hot weather can help you remain safe and healthy," explains Paxton.
People suffer heat-related illness when the body's temperature control system is overloaded. The body normally cools off itself by sweating. But under some conditions, sweating just isn't enough. In such cases, a person's body temperature rises rapidly. Very high body temperatures may damage the brain or other vital organs. Several factors affect the body's ability to coll itself during extremely hot weather. When the humidity is high, sweat will not evaporate as quickly, preventing the body from releasing heat quickly.
Other conditions that can limit the ability to regulate temperature include older age, young age (0-4), obesity, fever, dehydration, heart disease, mental illness, poor circulation, sunburn and prescrption drug use and alcohol use.
To avoid heat related illness, the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) & Prevention recommends:
Drinking more fluids (non-alcoholic), regardless of your activity level. Don't wait until you are thirsty to drink. Avoid liquids that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar.
Stay indoors and if at all possible stay in an air-conditioned place. If your home doesn't have air conditioning go to an area mall, shopping center, movie or the public library. Even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat. Electric fans may provide some comfort but when the temperature is in the high 90's, fans will not prevent heat-related illness.
Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
Warning signs of heat stroke vary, but they may include an extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees); red, hot, and dry skin without sweating; rapid, strong pulse; throbbing headache; nausea; confusion, and/or unconciousness.
If you see these signs, you may be dealing with a life threatening emergency. Have someone call 911 while you begin cooling the victim. First, get them to shady area. Cool the victim rapidly using whatever methods you can. For example, place the person in a cool shower; sponge the person with cool water; or if the humidity is low, wrap the victim in a cool wet sheet and fan them.
Monitor body temperature and continue cooling efforts until the body temperature drops to 101-102 degrees. More information can be found by CLICKING HERE.
