The high temperatures have led the National Weather Service (NWS) to raise heat wave alerts and at the same time issue some advice, including avoiding both coffee and alcohol. When temperatures rise this high, it is recommended to stay hydrated, stay in the shade, and avoid outdoor heat during the hottest hours. Therefore, it is best to avoid coffee and alcohol, as these two beverages dehydrate the body. Extreme caution is recommended, especially in areas of East Arkansas, North Mississippi, Southeast Missouri, and West Tennessee.
A human-made phenomenon created by years and years of abuse
In the United States and Europe, extremely high temperatures are being recorded coinciding with the summer season. It’s no secret that over time, the massive wear and tear on the planet has led to global warming becoming an unstoppable phenomenon. A human-made phenomenon created by years and years of abuse and overuse of non-renewable energy sources. All of this has led to the planet’s temperature rising each year, making heat waves increasingly unbearable.
It’s important not to underestimate the risk of high temperatures in these areas, and it’s best to follow expert precautions. Some of the areas currently under high temperature alerts are Arkansas, Cross, Lee AR, Phillips, and St. Francis Counties. In Mississippi, Coahoma, Panola, Quitman, Tallahatchie, and Tunica Counties.
Precautions: Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun
The precautions recommended by the National Weather Service are drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Plus, don’t leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles. Car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes. This is important because it won’t be the first time that we hear a dog or a pet is left inside a car and then the owner finds them dead. So make sure to treat your pets respectfully, outside and inside your homes. Make sure they always have fresh water and have places where they can find coldness.
Furthermore, take extra precautions when outside. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing. Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Children, the elderly and people with respiratory problems should take extreme precautions as they are more likely to be affected by high temperatures. And to reduce the risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.
A red flag alert means that critical weather conditions conducive to fire
Another important point to keep in mind is that high temperatures can also attract another threat of global warming: wildfires. A NWS red flag alert means that critical weather conditions conducive to wildfires are occurring or are imminent.
A red flag alert means that critical weather conditions conducive to fire are developing or are imminent. The NWS alert is currently in effect for areas of Southwest Wyoming and West Central Wyoming. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. In these cases, extreme precautions are taken to avoid exacerbating these natural situations. This means that lighting fires in wooded areas, throwing cigarette butts on roadways, and any other activity that threatens the safety of the environment and/or the public is strictly prohibited.
Finally, Stay cool, stay hydrated, stay informed and if you feel any symptoms of dehydration or suffocation, call 911.
