Staying Safe in the Heat

Temperatures in the 90's are nothing new during the heart of summer.  But when the 90's are forecast for several days in a row, it can become concerning.  And as the old saying goes, 'it's not the heat, but the humidity that gets to you'.  When we factor in the humidity often times the heat index (feels like) temperature can soar well above 100 degrees.

That type of heat is expected for the first time in the Stateline Thursday.  And because of it an Excessive Heat Warning will go into effect for Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin beginning Thursday afternoon and lasting through Friday evening for most, but until Saturday evening for Stephenson, Jo Daviess, Carroll and Whiteside counties.

The hottest time of day occurs roughly between 10am and 4pm/5pm when the sun angle is at its strongest.  This is also when the heat index temperature is expected to be at its highest, over 100 degrees.

While we'd like you to stay indoors and in air conditioning as much as you can, if you do have to be outside for a prolonged period of time remember to take frequent breaks out of the sun, drink plenty of water, eat smaller meals and don't forget about your pets!  Pets can suffer from the heat just like humans.  And it's important to keep in mind how fast the sidewalk or parking lot can heat up when it's hot outside!  Take for example an air temperature close to 80 degrees.  The surrounding asphalt that you might be taking your dog for a walk on could be as high as 115 degrees!  And as the air temperature warms, the surrounding ground surfaces warm even faster.  So if it's too hot for your you, it's likely too hot for your pets!  You can do a simple test with the back of your hand by placing it on the sidewalk for 7 to 10 seconds.  If your hand hurts after that amount of time, your pets paws will also hurt.