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Upper Midwest Braces for Dangerous and Long Heat Wave

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Sun, 2011-07-17 23:47 — Kathy Gilbeaux

Reuters - July 15, 2011

(Reuters) - A heat wave hovering in the central and southern states is expanding north to states not accustomed to intense and prolonged heat.

"This is going to be especially bad in the upper Midwest," said Chris Vaccaro, a spokesman for the National Weather Service.

Temperatures will be in the 90's and possibly hit 100 degrees in some places. When humidity is factored in, the heat index could reach 115 degrees.

These soaring mercury levels are unusual for states like North and South Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin, Vaccaro said, which makes this heat wave particularly dangerous in those places. In Minneapolis alone highs could reach 15 degrees above normal.

The heat was apparently to blame for the death of a 72-year-old man in South Memphis, Tennessee.

The man died Wednesday, according to the Shelby County Health Department.

The air conditioning in his home was malfunctioning and blowing hot air. And while a fan was in use, the windows were closed, the agency reported.

This is the third apparent heat-related death in West Tennessee this summer. Two others died in June.

On Friday 12 states were under heat advisories, warnings or watches from Texas north to Minnesota, and the heat wave is expected to move east by the middle of next week.

"It's going to be pretty significant," said Vaccaro.

"It's going to expand and worsen throughout the weekend."

So far in July, 882 high temperature records in the United States have been tied or broken, according to the weather service.

(Reporting by Karin Matz and Tim Ghianni; Editing by Jerry Norton)

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/07/15/us-weather-idUSTRE76D78Q20110715

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Tue, 2011-07-19 00:25 — Kathy Gilbeaux

blog.fema.gov - posted by Public Affairs - July 14, 2011

A search and rescue dog cools off in a wading pool. High temperatures continue to affect much of the U.S., so having a plan to stay cool is important for both you and your pets.

Summer is here, and much of the U.S. continues to deal with abnormally hot weather. And even if your community hasn’t experienced hotter weather yet, there are ways you can stay safe and cool when warmer temperatures arrive.

Here are some tips on staying cool and safe during extreme heat:

  • Be familiar with your local weather forecast by visiting www.weather.gov or mobile.weather.gov on your phone
  • Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, awnings, or louvers. (Outdoor awnings or louvers can reduce the heat that enters a home by up to 80 percent.)
  • Eat well-balanced, light, and regular meals. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
  • Drink plenty of water and limit intake of alcoholic beverages. Persons who have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease; are on fluid-restricted diets; or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake.
  • Check on family, friends, and neighbors who do not have air conditioning and who spend much of their time alone. Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.
  • Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day. Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat, and take frequent breaks.

And hotter weather also affects pets, so remember to give them plenty of water and keep them inside. Check out Ready.gov for more tips on getting prepared, for any emergency.

http://blog.fema.gov/2011/07/tips-for-staying-safe-cool-during.html

howdy folks