How to stay cool in this heat wave
How to stay safe in the heat
Experts recommend ways to stay safe during heat waves.
Ventura County Star
The heat wave currently hitting the South isn’t going away anytime soon, and Shelby County is no exception. With the National Weather Service’s excessive heat warning through Friday evening and the heat index expected to reach 115 degrees, staying cool is a priority, especially if you’re one of Memphis Light, Gas & Water’s 22,000 customers. Still without electricity. Here’s what you need to know about getting through this heatwave.
Where to stay cool in Memphis
If you’re looking for an escape from the heat, your options include Memphis Public Libraries, such as the Cossett Library or Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library, or the Oak Court or Wolfchase Malls.
Heatstroke vs. heat exhaustion: See the difference as extreme temperatures arrive in Tennessee
Specialized cooling centers will also be open to the public from 1 to 5 p.m. at Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church, For the Kingdom, through June 30. Meals will be distributed at the Raleigh Library Circle and the Fraser-Raleigh Senior Center beginning at 1 p.m. For more information on other addresses and locations to cool off during this heat wave, visit the City of Memphis website.
Know the signs of dehydration and heat stroke. And how to stay hydrated
If you have to be outside this week, it’s important to keep in mind the warning signs of heat exhaustion, which could lead to heat stroke.
“Basically you’ll see muscle spasms, headaches, some patients feel disoriented or they might faint, they’re sweating a lot and they’re very thirsty,” said Petosha Jackson, chief nursing officer at Methodist Hospital South.
Symptoms of heatstroke include a body temperature over 104 degrees, increased heart rate, confusion and disorientation. Sweating will also stop.
Staying fully hydrated is a must, and Jackson said the recommended amount of water daily to stay hydrated is at least 64 ounces, or as some professionals say, half your body weight in ounces. This may seem excessive but spreading it out throughout the day before 5 or 6pm will help maintain hydration and a consistent sleep schedule.
Jackson said time spent outside during the hottest part of the day — noon to 4 p.m. — should be limited to about 10 to 15 minutes if possible. For those who may have to work outside, “we suggest you wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing, stay hydrated, and keep a damp towel if you have to get your face wet,” Jackson said.
Jackson added that if you think you or someone else is suffering from heatstroke, don’t hesitate to call 911, visit a walk-in doctor, or the emergency room if necessary.
Weather forecast for Memphis
The coming days will be mostly dry and clear, according to the NWS forecast. On Thursday and Friday, temperature indicators will reach 115 degrees. That will drop to the low 100s on Saturday.
Air temperatures on Thursday are expected to reach the 90s, with overnight lows in the 70s. On Friday, the NWS expects daytime highs around 101 degrees, with overnight lows in the 80s. Saturday could bring high temperatures in the upper 90s and overnight lows in the upper 70s. After that, temperatures will drop a bit, with highs over the next few days in the mid to low 90s.
A 30% chance of thunderstorms over the weekend could give the county some rain. The NWS expects Independence Day to see highs in the low 90s with a chance of rain and thunderstorms throughout the day.
Recent updates on power outages in Memphis: MLGW: The boil advisory has been lifted, and 28,000 customers remain without power
