Mahaska Area Under Heat Advisory
Sunny Skies will bring big heat to the area
Oskaloosa, Iowa – With a slow start, summer has hit with a fury once again this week.
Temperatures in the area will reach into the mid to upper 90’s today and Friday. The National Weather Services reports that some locations may rise into the 100s.
The temps at night will not give much relief from the scorching sun as the overnight lows will be in the mid to upper 70s.
Outdoor workers will be at most risk, but also the very young and the elderly will need our care during this time. Heat stress can result in heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, or heat rashes.
If you are working outside take care to replace lost fluids, find some shade to cool off and something that is often forgotten is to be careful of not burning yourself on objects that have been subjected to direct sunlight.
The National Weather Service offers this advice on working and dealing with the heat:
TAKE EXTRA PRECAUTIONS IF YOU WORK OR SPEND TIME OUTSIDE. WHEN POSSIBLE…RESCHEDULE STRENUOUS ACTIVITIES TO EARLY MORNING OR EVENING. KNOW THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HEAT EXHAUSTION AND HEAT STROKE. WEAR LIGHT WEIGHT AND LOOSE FITTING CLOTHING WHEN POSSIBLE AND DRINK PLENTY OF WATER.
TO REDUCE RISK DURING OUTDOOR WORK…THE OCCUPATIONAL AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION RECOMMENDS SCHEDULING FREQUENT REST BREAKS IN SHADED OR AIR CONDITIONED ENVIRONMENTS. ANYONE OVERCOME BY HEAT SHOULD BE MOVED TO A COOL AND SHADED LOCATION. HEAT STROKE IS AN EMERGENCY – CALL 911.
For those looking for relief from the heat at home, it would be a good day to take a trip to the public library, shop at Penn Central Mall or grab a couple of other friends for some social time at a local restaurant.
Heat Stress leads to many other serious conditions. Make sure to call for help if you feel yourself being overcome by the heat.
