What does Heat Illness Look Like?

Our confidence for a heat wave this Father's Day weekend has been growing all week. The current forecast calls for highs in the upper 80's on Friday, and then low to mid 90's during Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. It will also be increasingly humid, as dew point numbers climb into the upper 60's and low 70's. This will bring the heat index, or real feel, into the upper 90's and low 100's! As explained in the previous blog post with day time temperatures that high, and warm overnights, it can be a dangerous situation. But what does heat exhaustion and heat stroke look like?


 
                                                                                                        *Graphic/information  from NWS Chicago
Heat exhaustion is characterized by feeling faint or dizzy, excessive sweating, having cool and clammy hands. It could also cause muscle cramps, a rapid weak pulse, and nausea or vomiting. If you have these symptoms make sure you get into a cooler place with air conditioning, drink water, and take a cool shower or use a cold compress.                                                                                                                              

Heat stroke is more serious and you'll want to call 9-1-1. It shows itself in the form of a throbbing headache and not sweating, nausea and/or vomiting, and even losing consciousness. Make sure to take immediate action to keep the person cool until help arrives.