According to the National Weather Service, intense heat is predicted to persist this week, with “feels like” temperatures over 105 degrees, resulting in Heat Advisories for the area.
According to NWS Nashville meteorologist Alexandra Holley, “We’re really at a risk for heat illness and heat exhaustion and heat stroke as we go into these next few days, especially working outside in the hottest parts of the day.”
Remember that humidity makes it more difficult to stay cool because sweat cannot cool the body, even if you enjoy outside summer events.
Holley clarified, “Heat is the number one weather-related killer in the United States, so over tornadoes, over flooding, heat is the number one killer.”
Bring drink and cool towels, wear protective clothes or sunscreen, remain close to air conditioning, and keep an eye out for symptoms of heat-related illnesses if you must spend a lot of time outside. Additionally, some groups are more susceptible to the negative effects of heat than others.
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“The most sensitive groups are those young kids, babies, the elderly, people with chronic illnesses, and pregnant women, so you want to make sure you’re looking out for those four groups, especially as we go into the next few days, and don’t forget about those pets. Make sure they have ample water if they’re outside, or give them some water after you go outside with them,” Holley continued.
Additionally, never leave kids or pets in a heated car. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that, on average, 37 children each year pass away from heatstroke as a result of being left in cars.
