Scorching hot temperatures have engulfed North Texas, prompting experts to warn the public to take precautions not only to beat the heat but to avoid a health crisis.
Heat index values across the metroplex soared over the weekend, leaving most residents desperate for any sort of cooling relief.
“We’re all dripping in sweat, but the kids got in the splash pad over there and that helps out a lot. Now we’re going to go grab snow cones,” resident Nicole McDonald told NBC 5.
Temperatures are expected to remain high through the start of the week, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
Tuesday will be hot and humid, just as Monday was. As such, temperature highs will range from 90 to 100, but the heat index values will hover between 110 and 120.
“Because of all of the rain and the storms that we’ve had, the ground is pretty saturated and it’s unusual for us to see humidity levels, like you all report at 70%, 80%. So even at 90 degrees, when you’ve got 80% humidity, that heat index can be at 103 or 104 degrees,” Matt Zavadsky, MedStar spokesman, told NBC 5.
The non-profit health organization has seen an uptick in reports of heat-related illness since the heat wave began. Zavadsky reported 12 such cases on June 16 alone.
MedStar announced that at least one person is in critical condition due to heat-related illness as of June 19, according to The Dallas Morning News.
Heat-related illness can range in severity from heat rash to heat stroke, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms of more serious conditions include fatigue, nausea, dizziness, muscle cramps, and profuse sweating.
It is important to call 911 if these symptoms are accompanied by a high body temperature, strong pulse, and confusion, as these are indicators of a heat stroke. Do not give them water; instead, try to move them to a cooler place and cool them down with wet cloths.
Heat stress can be especially dangerous for the elderly and those suffering from health conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and obesity.
For instance, overweight and obese people have a 3.5 times greater chance of experiencing a fatal heatstroke than people of a healthy weight.
To avoid heat stress, it is important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and limiting time spent outdoors during peak temperatures, according to the NWS.
If you are outside, consider wearing light-colored clothing, minimizing physical exertion, and taking frequent breaks in the shade.
Ambient temperatures should drop to the mid-90s later this week, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.