Beat the heat! Temps could reach above 90 degrees this week, here are 7 tips to stay cool
WASHINGTON (7News) — After a week of rollercoaster weather with severe storms and temperatures in the middle to upper70s, StormWatch7 is on Weather Alert tracking sizzling heat set to overspread the Mid-Atlantic tomorrow and into the upcoming weekend.
Heat will build tomorrow as temperatures are likely to reach at least 90 degrees for the first time this year. Saturday will be hotter, with record challenging afternoon warmth well into 90s. Heat index values may surge to 100 during the afternoon hours.
Ahead of a slow-moving cold front Sunday, highs will once again reach the lower 90s. Cooling showers and a few thunderstorms will arrive later in the day as a cold front moves overhead. Some storms will have the potential to become strong to severe.
Heat is the number one weather-related killer, so it is critical that you respect the heat to avoid heat illness.
According to the National Weather Service, 138 people die each year due to the heat -- they say a heat index at or above 90 degrees has a significant health risk.
7News is On Your Side with 7 ways that you can prevent heat illness and stay safe in the heat:
1. DRESS FOR SUCCESS
As you're getting ready for the day, make sure you dress in light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Light-colored clothing reflects light and dark-colored clothing absorbs it. The more heat that is absorbed the hotter the clothing is and the hotter you are.
2. ADJUST YOUR SCHEDULE
Another tip for keeping cool during this heatwave, adjust your schedule if you can. Get up a little earlier to get your run in or get outside once the sun is down.
3. GO EASY ON THE CAFFEINE
One thing you may not think of is laying off on the coffee. Too much caffeine can lead to dehydration. So, even if you think you need a boost to get through a tough afternoon, try to avoid caffeine when you're trying to beat the heat.
4. LET YOUR BODY ACCLIMATE
According to the CDC, "Heat acclimatization is the improvement in heat tolerance that comes from gradually increasing the intensity or duration of work performed in a hot setting. The best way to acclimatize yourself to the heat is to increase the workload performed in a hot setting gradually over a period of 1–2 weeks".
5. GET A FRESH HAIRCUT
Getting a fresh cut can help you beat the heat, but you can also consider pulling your hair back if you have long hair.
6. SPRITZING
Put some water in a spray bottle and mist yourself throughout the day. The water evaporating from your skin creates a cooling effect, which is exactly what you need on a hot, summer day.
7. PUT A DAMP TOWEL IN THE FREEZER
Get a small towel, put it underwater and then squeeze out the excess so it's damp, fold it into a U shape and then put it into the freezer. When it’s frozen, take it out and wrap it around your neck.
Here are the warning signs of a heat-related illness:
- Being thirsty
- Muscle cramps
- Vomiting
- Feeling sick to the stomach
- Dizziness
- Feeling like you might be about to faint, even if you don’t faint
- Being flushed or clammy
If anyone is experiencing these symptoms that means it is time to take a break, rest, and hydrate. Also, remember to bring your pets inside on hot days.
Download our StormWatch7 weather app to stay up to date with the forecast.