How To Stay Safe During An Excessive Heat Warning

The weather outside can have a direct impact on us: not just on our moods but also on our health and wellbeing. It is no coincidence that spring often sees us in the best of health, active and happy. Conversely, bad weather can see us quickly deteriorate, both physically and mentally. As the globe gets warmer every year, excessive heat warnings are becoming an unfortunate reality that many of us are forced to endure.

In fact, in the United States an increasing number of deaths are being reported every summer, caused primarily due to the excessive heat. In this article, we explore this yearly phenomenon and the pre-emptive measures we can take to safeguard our health, our pets, and the surrounding community.

Americans expect their summers to be hot. However, an excessive heat warning is reported by the national weather service (NSW), in collaboration with the government, when the temperature goes dangerously above 100 degrees. This heat can be extreme enough to cause death.

You may wonder what makes this heat so extreme. Summers can be even hotter in tropical places like Africa or the Middle East. The difference lies in the sheer pace at which the temperature increases, and hence our unpreparedness to endure it without discomfort (hence the nation-wide warning). In fact, this unpleasant phenomenon can descend on us suddenly and quickly (in less than 12 hours), last for 1-3 days, and leave just as quickly. This gives our bodies very little time to adapt to the sudden changes in temperature.

Yes, we are hot-blooded beings. However, the body still requires a reasonable amount of time to respond appropriately to sudden changes in weather. During an excessive heat warning, the external humidity also increases along with the temperature, significantly slowing down evaporation. Due to this, our body temperature rises dramatically even as our metabolism slows down. The body thus becomes less efficient in maintaining the balance with the room temperature. This can lead to heat-related illnesses like:

Heat cramps occur when our muscles spasm due to the excess heat outside. In less critical cases, this can be treated by hydrating the person with cooling fluids and non-caffeinated energy/sports drinks (as they are rich in hydrating electrolytes). In addition, the person will need to rest until the muscle cramps ease.

However, if this condition is left to fester over an hour (which can inadvertently happen in the case of athletes, construction workers or fire fighters), it can quickly lead to heat exhaustion, where the person additionally feels nauseous and weak. Sometimes, they may even faint. This condition needs to be quickly dealt with by moving the person into a room with cooler temperature.

Again, hydrating the person with cooling liquids every 20-30 minutes can help from escalating this into a heat stroke. A heat stroke can be fatal and therefore requires immediate medical attention. This is where the body’s pulse/ breathing alters to dangerous levels and can even lead to (fatal) seizures.

Americans will be pleased to know the national weather service (NSW) makes every effort to warn people in advance, well before the final excessive heat warning. For instance, the first warning of a potentially dangerous heat wave can be issued almost a week before the actual event. However, not all heat waves give us the luxury of multiple warnings. As we now understand the dangers that extreme heat can have on the body, it is equally important to recognize the different warnings issued by the weatherman, their criticality, and our subsequent call to action.

There are four types of heat warnings issued by the NSW (listed in order of criticality)

The first warning comes as an excessive heat outlook, issued at least 3-7 days in advance. This is a more potential warning than an actual threat. However, this is important for colder places (like Alaska) that are unprepared for a sudden rise in temperature and hence need more time to respond to the warning.

When the weather persists, excessive heat watches are issued by NSW. Here, while the probability of the heat wave is high enough to be confirmed, the timing of its occurrence is still uncertain (within 1-3 days from warning). This still gives cooler areas some time to quickly prepare themselves for higher temperatures.

A heat advisory is an immediate call to action as it is a confirmation of a dangerous rise in temperature. This also means that the NSW predicts hot weather (typically above 100O F) within twelve hours of issuing the warning. This shows that the excessively hot conditions are likely to persist for at least a couple of days from the first occurrence. For Americans, it is imperative to move to cooler conditions when this warning is issued (especially if you are outdoors).

An excessive heat warning is the final straw, which if unattended can become lethal for your body. When the NSW issues this type of warning (generally given 12 hours in advance), you can expect high temperatures (105 degrees F and above), with the temperature consistently remaining above 75 degrees F even at night. This is the final call to protecting your family and community from any fatality that can occur due to extreme heat conditions.

You should know pets (especially small-sized dogs and puppies), children, and senior citizens are more susceptible to the extreme heat during an excessive heat warning. The rising temperature can also affect people who are obese and those struggling with low immunity or other health disorders. It is hence important to safeguard the entire community from these extreme conditions. Here are some straightforward tips to follow.

When the NWS issues an excessive heat warning, remember it is essential to pay attention to it. As recent statistics prove, Americans have been more susceptible to these sudden rising temperatures than to any other adverse weather. With the tips provided in this article, we hope you can care for your family and your community. Like the old adage goes: health and safety first, always.