The Alexander City Outlook

Heat sticking around

The dog days of summer are upon us, not even the cold-blooded critters that thrive on sunshine are stirring much.

In response to recent weather conditions, the Alabama Department of Public Health wants to call the public’s attention to a heat advisory issued by the National Weather Service’s Birmingham office. The advisory is in effect for central Alabama through Friday at 7 p.m.

According to the ADPH, a heat advisory means that temperatures and humidity cause heat index values to approach and exceed 105 degrees.

“We issue a heat advisory when the heat index – a measure of the temperature plus humidity – gets over 105 degrees approaching 110 (degrees),” said NWS meteorologist Jim Westland. “That kind of heat can cause health issues.”

Even after the sun goes down there will not be much of a respite with temperatures in many areas not expected to drop below 75 degrees. A favorable factor in the advisory is the formation of Tropical Storm Bonnie between southern Florida and the Bahamas. Whether it directly or indirectly affects us, according to Westland, the impact of the system on “the edge or periphery can kick the stagnant high pressure system out of the way.”

This would cause temperatures to drop enough to cease the advisory.

“We’ve got the current heat advisory until tomorrow evening,” said the NWS meteorologist. “We do not think it will be extended through the weekend.”

The ADPH recommends that people should drink plenty of water, stay in an air-conditioned room if possible and keep out of the sun. They also advise the public to check on their older relatives and neighbors; it is also suggested that pets are given plenty of fresh water and access to shady spots.

Heat related illnesses happen when the body’s ability to regulate its temperature is compromised. Heat stroke, also known as sunstroke, is the most severe form of this kind of illness; it is characterized by a rapid rise in body temperature and the functional failure of sweating, which is the body’s automatic cooling system. Heat stroke can cause permanent injury and, in the most severe case, death.

Signs that warn of potential heat stroke include a rapidly strong pulse, throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea and confusion. To reverse the onset of heat related illness a person should be moved to a shady area and showered with or placed in cool water. A person is considered out of danger when the body’s core temperature drops below 102 degrees.

“Heat stroke is a life threatening emergency,” said state health officer Dr. Donald Williamson in a statement released Thursday. “A person with heat stroke is likely to be unconscious or unresponsive, so he or she cannot safely consume any liquids. Under no circumstances should you give any alcohol to a person with heat stroke or any heat illness.”

Rehydration of someone suffering from heat related symptoms should never include drinks that have alcohol or caffeine.