It’s Oklahoma. It’s summertime. And it’s hot — a bit hotter than normal for this time in July.
“It’s pretty typical but a little above normal,” Daryl Williams, National Weather Service meteorologist, said. “There’s no relief in sight, at least not for the next few days.”
Given predictions of continued highs in the upper 90s, individuals should be aware of health threats those increasing temperatures can cause.
“The main thing is to be aware of the outside temperatures and monitor them closely,” Tina Johnson, Pottawatomie County Health Department administrative director, said. “Be careful staying out in the heat a long time...especially groups at a higher risk of heat-related illness, such as infants, small children, the elderly and those with chronic illnesses.”
Johnson said those who previously suffered heat exhaustion or heat stroke are typically more susceptible to increases in temperatures and have a low tolerance to heat overall. Still, even for those in good physical condition, the heat can create serious issues if proper precautions aren’t taken, she said.
Johnson said there are several ways to protect oneself from heat dangers, such as exhaustion, stroke or dehydration. She said cooling cloths worn around the neck are “beneficial to use” but said individuals should “still be careful not to stay out for too long.”
She said citizens should wear lightweight, light-colored clothing; some type of head covering; sunscreen; and appropriate sunglass wear. And she said all individuals, especially diabetics, “should avoid pop because of its high sugar content.”
“You’re better off to drink room temperature water to get back to your normal temperatures,” she said.
Johnson said eating smaller, more frequent meals also can help the body as it doesn’t have to struggle as much between digesting food and keeping the body cool. And remembering to keep hydrated when participating in water activities is also important, she said.
“Even though you are in the water, you have to replenish the water inside your body,” she said. “Replenish your fluids because your temperature can still get warm in the water. Most water is warm too now.”
Johnson said possibly the most important suggestion she can make for the summer heat is too look after those who need help caring for themselves.
“Remember to check on the elderly — like family or neighbors,” she said. “And never leave children, pets — or really anyone — in a car with no air conditioner.”
Johnson said remembering the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, along with knowing the symptoms of dehydration is also very important. For heat exhaustion or stroke, the initial signs include becoming faint or light-headed, experiencing a bad headache or feeling nauseated.
“Another symptom is if you’re not sweating,” she said. “If you stop perspiring — our bodies sweat to cool us off — you must seek medical attention immediately.”
Johnson said dehydration symptoms are very similar but also include “feeling weak” or having a decrease in urination.
Williams said Will Rogers Airport reported a high of 96 degrees Friday, with a normal high being about 94 degrees for July 23. In Pottawatomie County, the high peaked about 92 to 93 degrees and lows were expected in the mid-70s.
“It’s been extra humid because it’s not cooling off at night as much as normal,” he said. “We’ll be staying kind of in a muggy, hot pattern the next two to three days and might see some isolated showers here and there. We just got lucky early in July with all the rain that kept us cooler. 92 to 96 should be the norm for the next few days for Pottawatomie County and we’ll probably see triple digits sometime in mid-August.”
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