Wednesday, July 20, 2011

The Heat Wave Continues As The Dog Days Of Summer Become To Hot For The Dogs!

Well, bloggers I know it's been a while since I've checked in last. I'm sorry for that! I have had so much more going on this summer then normal. So updates may not be as often as they use to. Still I will try to pop in at times. This week is a great time for me to pop in as we have a lot to talk about weather - wise. Or should I say HEAT - WISE! We have been stuck in this ring of fire pattern over the past week or so. And it's starting to take a toll on us. What is the ring of fire you ask?? Take a look.
This radar image above I took around a quarter after seven this evening. You can see the ring of fire we're stuck in. This large area of high pressure that keeps us dry, sunny, and hot!

This week we have been more then just hot! We have been burning up!! Take a look at the high I recorded in Lafayette today.
That's right. Our average high for this time of year is right around 87* - 86* degrees. We were a good 10* degrees above that! This isn't even counting the feels like temperature (Heat Index). Our heat index was anywhere between 117* degrees to 122* degrees today! This is dangerous weather to be out in.

Any temperature or heat index over 80* - 90* degrees can cause Fatigue possible with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity.

Any temperature or heat index over 90* - 105* degrees can cause Sunstroke, heat cramps and heat exhaustion possible with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity.

Any temperature or heat index over 105* - 130* degrees can cause Sunstroke, heat cramps or heat exhaustion likely, and heatstroke possible with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity. And this 105* to 130* degrees range is what we have been seeing and will continue seeing all week! Maybe even into next week! This is why everyone needs to take note of this heat and play it safe. Watch out for your older and younger neighbors, And make sure not to forget about your pets!!!!!
They call these the dog days of summer however it has been WAY to hot for the dogs!!! You can see this guy above has the right idea to keep cool during these hot summer times. I always say that when temperatures are in the upper 80s to please make sure that your pet always has fresh cold water and a shady place to stay. However when temperatures are hitting as high as they have been lately, a shady place isn't gonna cut it! If you can bring your pets in then DO! If it's to hot for you, then its to hot for your pets!

A bit of a wake up call to remind you that bad things can happen in this heat, Not only have hospitals had a big increase in patients coming in do to heat related illnesses, But there has been a confirmed report that at least one pig died over at the Tippecanoe, county 4H fair do to this dangerous heat!
Some good news is that this morning, the Tippecanoe County 4-H Fair received a big donation. Caterpillar Inc. and McAllister Machinery donated a large air conditioning unit to help keep people and animals cool inside the Coliseum. This helps however there are still a lot of animals in barns and such that have no A/C to keep cool. They still need to be watering down the animals as much as possible if they're going to keep them over there.

Over the next 8 to 14 days I still see us being well above our average high for this time of year! And the CPC agrees. Take a look.
That's right, We will be running at least a good 5* to 7* degrees above average. This is nuts! lol. Just when models start to show us cooling off back into the 80s as our highs, they change right back and the 90s return!

Take a look at the next five day high temperatures.

These 90s just won't give up! Even the ice cream trucks are melting as you can see above. That's not good lol. As for tomorrows high! Well, I look for more mostly sunny skies across the area with a high around 96* degrees. We will be looking at heat index up above 112* degrees again without a doubt! This is dangerously hot once again.

And last but not least I wanted to point out a few things I feel are necessary for you all to know!

HEAT DISORDER SYMPTOMS

Heat Exhaustion

Heavy sweating, weakness, skin cold, pale and clammy.  Pulse thready. Normal temperature possible. Fainting and vomiting.

TREATMENT
Get victim out of sun. Lay down and loosen clothing. Apply cool wet cloths. Fan or move victim to air conditioned room. Sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue use. If vomiting continues, seek immediate medical attention

Heat Stroke (or sunstroke)

High body temperature (106°F, or higher). Hot dry skin. Rapid and strong pulse. Possible unconsciousness.  Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency. Summon medical assistance or get the victim to a hospital immediately. Delay can be fatal.

TREATMENT
Move the victim to a cooler environment. Reduce body temperature with cold bath or sponging. Use extreme caution.  Remove clothing, use fans and air conditioners. If temperature rises again, repeat process. Do not give fluids

Here are some basic heat safety tips to help keep you safe during this heat wave!

Increase your intake of non-alcoholic, non-carbonated, caffeine free beverages such as water and juice.

Wear clothing that is light in color and loose fitting.

Avoid the outdoors during extreme heat. Stay out of the sun.

Stay in an air-conditioned environment if possible. Shopping malls offer relief if your home is not air-conditioned.

Check on the elderly. They are especially susceptible to heat related illness.

Eliminate strenuous activity such as running, biking and lawn care work when it heats up.

Eat less food that increase metabolic activity/heat. Proteins are an example.
Increased metabolic heat increases water loss.

Stay safe bloggers! God Bless!

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