Temperatures will rise into the upper 90s and heat indexes will soar into the 100s this week, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). Overnight conditions will remain persistently humid and hot, giving little relief to the region. For Northeast Ohio, that means our region will be dangerously hot for most of the week.
“Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events. The prolonged nature of the heat event with little overnight relief through the week will increase impacts to vulnerable populations,” the NWS said in an extreme heat warning issued for Northeast Ohio.
“As temperatures climb, we encourage everyone to take simple precautions to stay safe,” said Cuyahoga County Director of Public Safety and Justice Services, Brandy Carney in a statement. “Stay hydrated, limit time outdoors during the hottest parts of the day, keep a close eye on small children and older people, and ensure that pets have adequate shelter from the heat.”
To try and aid Cleveland residents, the city is opening cooling centers from July 1 through July 3. The following facilities will extend their hours to 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. to try and offer more shelter to residents in need:
- Zelma George Recreation Center, 3155 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
- Collinwood Recreation Center, 16300 Lakeshore Boulevard
- Gunning Recreation Center, 16700 Puritas Avenue
- EJ Kovacic Recreation Center, 6250 St. Clair Avenue
- Frederick Douglass Recreation Center, 15401 Miles Avenue
The NWS recommends Northeast Ohioans avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. Instead, try to stay in shaded areas, or in air conditioned spaces (if available). One of the most dangerous elements of a prolonged heat wave is dehydration. Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.
“The best way to prevent dehydration is to take in continuous water throughout the day. And while you’re drinking water, make sure you’re using electrolytes as well. That can come through food or electrolyte supplementation. In addition, eating foods with water in them, such as fruits like watermelon, can help. Also, make sure you monitor and limit your caffeine and alcohol intake, and monitor your environment,” said Dr. Bryan Baskin, emergency medicine physician at Cleveland Clinic.
The warning signs of dehydration include: thirstiness, headaches, darker urine, exhaustion, dizziness or passing out. If you or someone you know passes out from heat exposure and dehydration, Baskin said they need to be taken to an emergency room promptly.
“The other two that are very important are heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat exhaustion is when your body has a difficult time recovering from increased temperature, and heat stroke is when it loses its ability to recover. The signs and symptoms of that can be similar to dehydration,” said Dr. Baskin.
Cuyahoga County also issued a reminder, urging residents to avoid leaving children or pets in vehicles in the heat. They also recommended dressing appropriately for the weather, meaning light, loose-fitting clothes. Residents should also avoid drinking alcohol or caffeine too much, which can exacerbate dehydration.
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