CLARKSVILLE, IN (June 13, 2022) – The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for Monday, June 13th through Wednesday, June 15th at 9:00pm. Heat index values of up to 109 are expected for the Clarksville area.
A heat advisory means that people can be affected by heat if precautions are not taken. A 2005 study showed that early in the summer, emergency room visits increased when the heat index surpassed 95°F. The issuance of a heat advisory is important to raise public awareness that precautions need to be taken. Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.
To get familiar with the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, go to https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/warning.html.
Weather and Geographic Factors that Increase the Impact of Heat
- Direct sun on buildings or people.
- Wind (increases dehydration).
- Overnight minimum heat index – houses and buildings that do not have air conditioning will not cool down if the overnight minimum heat index remains above 75 – 80° and the area goes into a second hot day.
- Successive days of heat with high nighttime temperatures is really bad – fatalities will occur. Impacts will begin to increase exponentially. Urbanization – more concrete, less green – impacts temperatures particularly at night.
- Early season heat – a heat index of 95° – 100° will impact people in May and June or with the first few occurrences, where as later in the summer (August) it may take a heat index of 100° – 105° for the same effect. People modify their behavior after being affected by it and are less likely to be impacted again.
Human Factors that increase the Impact of Heat
- Alcoholic consumption.
- Certain medications.
- Certain medical conditions.
- Elderly or infants.
- Physical exertion Exposure to sun.