The National Weather Service and the offices of Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management have designated Thursday, June 9, as Iowa Heat Awareness Day. Heat is one of the leading weather-related killers across the United States and this week we are expected to see temperatures climb into the 90s, an early start to temperatures that bring health risks if proper precautions are not taken. During extremely hot and humid weather, the body’s ability to cool itself becomes challenged and when your body can no longer cool itself or too much salt is lost through sweat, the body temperature rises and heat-related illnesses occur. Vehicular heatstroke is particularly hazardous and there were a total of 24 child deaths from vehicular heatstroke just last year. The temperatures in vehicles can rise rapidly and become deadly. If the outside temperature is 80 degrees, in just 10 minutes, the temperature inside a vehicle will be near 100 degrees and up to 115 in just 30 minutes. Never leave children or pets in a vehicle. Other precautions you can take during hot weather include drinking plenty of water, wearing lightweight, loose-fitting and light-colored clothing, eating light foods and taking breaks to cool down. Additional safety and forecast information can be found by following the links below.
National Weather Service Heat Safety Tips
National Weather Service Forecast
