Which states are on alert due to extreme high temperatures and what are the recommendations?
High temperatures will continue to broil parts of the United States. The NWS warns these states that they can expect excessive heat this weekend.
High temperatures continue to affect parts of the United States, with millions of people in several states under an excessive heat alert.
According to forecasts from the National Weather Service (NWS), a heat wave will be concentrated in two main areas this weekend: in the interior portions of the northwest and then further south in the interior valleys of California that extend into southern Nevada and western Arizona.
Excessive heat warnings cover millions of residents in several states, including California, Nevada, Arizona, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah and parts of Montana. According to the NWS, widespread highs will be in the 90s to 100s followed by little relief overnight with lows in the 60s to 70s.
“The risk of unrelenting heat will persist in the southwest until the middle of next week while it will spread into the Northern Rockies and the High Plains from the interior of the northwest,” the agency said.
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What you should do to avoid heat stroke
Heat is a leading cause of climate-related death in the United States, causing more than 1,000 fatalities each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Here are some tips on how to avoid it and what to do if it happens to you.
According to the Mayo Clinic, it is important to take the following measures to prevent heat stroke if there are high temperatures:
- Wear light, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing.
- Protect yourself against sunburn..
- Stay hydrated.
- Do not leave anyone in a car parked in the sun.
- Avoid outdoor activity during the hottest hours of the day.
- Take cold showers or baths.
What to do in case of heat stroke
Symptoms of heat stroke include throbbing headache, confusion, nausea, dizziness, body temperature above 103°F, hot, red, dry or clammy skin, rapid, strong pulse, fainting, and loss of consciousness.
In this situation, it is important to seek medical attention, since heat stroke is a serious medical emergency. You can call 911 or the local emergency services number.
In these cases, the victim should be moved to a cooler environment, preferably with air conditioning, and the body temperature should be reduced with cold cloths or a cold bath. According to the CDC, it is not recommended to give fluids to a person with heat stroke.