Heat Dome to Bring Record Temperatures to Much of the U.S. This Week
· Telemundo McAllen (KTLM)
Another week of scorching heat in the United States will bring even more health risks in the coming days, as nighttime temperatures will offer little relief. The National Weather Service predicts that over 90 temperature records across the country will be tied or broken this week through Wednesday, with most of them being records for nighttime heat. Health experts indicate that nighttime temperatures that fail to drop are even more dangerous than soaring daytime temperatures. Summer has already begun in a stifling manner across much of the U.S. due to the persistent heat dome expected to cover a large part of the territory this week. The sweltering temperatures of recent weeks have led to heat-related deaths in New Jersey and have contributed to wildfires in the western part of the country. The National Weather Service indicated that temperatures were not expected to drop below 80 degrees Fahrenheit at night in Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Tampa, Florida; Galveston, Texas; and Charleston, South Carolina. In the coming days, areas in the north-central and northeastern regions known for their frigid winters will see nighttime temperatures remaining above 70 ºF, including Fargo, North Dakota; International Falls, Minnesota; and Portland, Maine. Health experts explain that high nighttime temperatures are especially dangerous because there is no time for the body's core temperature to cool down and recover from the daytime heat. "That’s where health effects worsen, particularly for the elderly and vulnerable communities," said Marshall Shepherd, a meteorology professor at the University of Georgia. A rise of just a few degrees in body temperature can lead to heat stroke or overload the heart. The dangers of heat can manifest stealthily. If nighttime temperatures do not cool the body, health risks often become more apparent the next day, explained Kristie Ebi, a public health and climate scientist at the University of Washington. "Mortality begins on the second or third day" because the body cannot cool down, she stated on Monday. Being proactive is crucial during a heat wave. Early warning signs include intense sweating, muscle cramps, and headaches. "It’s hard to know when you’re starting to have heat problems. That’s why we need to be more proactive," Ebi noted. It’s important to find a way to cool down, whether by entering an air-conditioned space or wrapping a cold towel around your neck. Health experts also say not to forget to check in on friends and family, especially those who are elderly, pregnant, or have health issues that may make it harder for them to cope with the heat. How to Beat the Heat Without Air Conditioning: Even without air conditioning at home, there are ways to find relief. Go to a library or shopping mall. Sit in front of a fan and spray water on your skin. Soak your feet in cold water. Dampen your clothes in water. And, of course, drink plenty of water.
AI summary · Source: Telemundo McAllen (KTLM) →
