TEMPS INCHING TOWARD 100 IN REGION - Heat Exhaustion, Stroke Are Risks

(07/07/2010)
Temperatures in Calhoun have been inching toward 100 degrees.

National Weather Service Meteorologist Andy Roche told media yesterday if you think it was hot yesterday, wait until later in the week.

"Sunny skies will provide very high temperatures in the range of 95 to 100 degrees mainly on Thursday," Roche said.

That's due to a high pressure system sitting over our area with very little humidity.

This week in 1988, the mercury reached 103 and 104 degrees.

There will be a little cool down by week's end.

That's due to some cloud cover and rain moving in.

The long-term forecast is calling for warm weather again next week with the mercury hitting the upper 80's to lower 90's.

Calhoun's OES Director Kathryn Wood issued warnings yesterday, especially for the elderly, about heat exposure leading to heat exhaustion.

Warning signs include heavy sweating, pale skin, muscle cramps, fatigue, dizziness, headache, nausea, fainting, weak pulse and fast, shallow breathing.

Treatment includes cool, non-alcoholic beverages, cool shower/sponge baths, rest in air conditioned environment, wear light clothing.

Wood said heat exhaustion could lead to heat stroke, a true medical emergency. Call 911 for medical attention if sweating stops and chills start.