Despite cooler weather this past week, the National Weather Service in Springfield is warning Ozarks residents that it could be dangerously hot starting this weekend.
The NWS has issued an "extreme heat watch" for the area from 1 p.m. July 25 through 7 p.m. July 28, predicting heat index values around 100 degrees to 110 degrees, actual temperatures in the mid-90s to around 100, and minimal relief overnight when temperatures drop into the upper 70s to around 80 degrees.
The heat index is measure of how hot it is going to feel in a shady area when factoring in humidity, even though the actual temperature might be slightly lower. For example, if it is 94 degrees outside with 60% humidity, then it will feel like 110 degrees.
The wet bulb globe temperatures
measures heat in direct sunlight by taking into account temperature, humidity, wind speed, sun angle and cloud cover, according to the NWS, and is particularly useful for outdoor workers and athletes.
On Saturday, the WBGT will be between 86.1 degrees and 90 degrees, which means that the threat level is high and working or exercising in direct sunlight will stress the body after 20 minutes. It's recommended that people working or exercising in direct sunlight take at least 40 minutes of breaks each hour.
On Sunday, the WBGT may reach over 90 degrees in some areas of the Ozarks, which means working or exercising in direct sunlight will stress your body after 15 minutes. People working or exercising in direct sunlight should take 45 minutes of breaks each hour.
On Monday and Tuesday, the WBGT will mainly be between 86.1 degrees and 90 degrees, which means that the threat level is high and working or exercising in direct sunlight will stress the body after 20 minutes. It's recommended that people working or exercising in direct sunlight take at least 40 minutes of breaks each hour.
Some areas, like Branson and Ava, could see extreme WBGT over 90 degrees on Monday and Tuesday. The Stockton area may also see extreme WBGT above 90 degrees on Tuesday. When the WBGT is that high, working or exercising in direct sunlight will stress your body after 15 minutes. People are recommended to take 45 minutes of breaks each hour if they're working or exercising in direct sunlight.
What is the difference between an extreme heat watch and a heat advisory?
There are three levels of heat headlines: Heat advisories, extreme heat watches and extreme heat warnings.
A heat advisory is issued when there are hazardous heat conditions that are not expected to reach warning criteria — which warns that dangerous heat is about to happen or is happening for 48 or more hours — according to the NWS. That means that, for at least 24 hours, the heat index will reach 105 degrees or higher and/or the heat index will be between 100 and 104 degrees for four or more consecutive days.
The NWS advises people to think about postponing or rescheduling outdoor activities, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
An extreme heat watch is issued when conditions for dangerous heat are possible, but forecasters isn't sure of the exact timing or occurrence of the event. People should prepare for dangerous heat. It's issued 24 to 48 hours before the heat index reaches at or above 110 degrees and/or the heat index is at or above 105 for four or more days.
People should be prepared by rescheduling outdoor activities and ensuring kids, the elderly and pets have a place to cool off during the heat.
An extreme heat warning is issued when dangerous heat is occurring to expected for two or more days. It's issued when the heat index is at or above 110 degrees and/or the heat index will be at or above 105 degrees for four or more consecutive days. Another criteria is that night-time temperatures are around 75 degrees or higher.
People should avoid outdoor activities and direct sunlight, and stay indoors in air-conditioned spaces as much as possible, including at night. If you must be outside, drink plenty of water and take frequent breaks in the shade.
Cooling centers available to help people stay cool
According to the Springfield-Greene County Health Department, emergency cooling centers are only activated in the event of a heat advisory or higher, meaning they are not open during an extreme heat watch.
However, there are certain public buildings with air conditioning that are considered cooling centers even when there is not a heat advisory.
- Ash Grove Branch Library, 101 E. Main St., Ash Grove;
- Fair Grove Branch Library, 81 S. Orchard Blvd., Fair Grove;
- Library Station, 2535 N. Kansas Expressway, Springfield;
- Midtown Carnegie Branch Library, 397 E. Central St., Springfield;
- Park Central Branch Library, 128 Park Central Square, Springfield;
- Republic Branch Library, 921 N. Lindsey Ave., Republic;
- Schweitzer Brentwood Branch Library, 2214 S. Brentwood Blvd., Springfield;
- Strafford Branch Library, 101 MO-125, Strafford;
- Willard Branch Library, 304 E. Jackson St., Willard;
- Library Center, 4653 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield.
The public can also cool off for free in the water at Jordan Valley Park, 635 E. Trafficway St., from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
Protecting against heat exhaustion, heat stroke
Heat exhaustion is the most common heat-related illness, and is characterized by heavy sweating, paleness, tiredness, muscle cramps, weakness, dizziness or fainting, headache, nausea or vomiting. People showing these symptoms should be moved to a cool spot, rest and drink cool water, according to the Springfield-Greene County Health Department, and should seek medical attention if the symptoms last longer than an hour or get worse.
Heat stroke is a potentially deadly heat-related illness which occurs when the body's temperature is at or above 104 degrees. Symptoms include high body temperature; red, hot or dry skin; rapid pulse; throbbing headache; dizziness; nausea; confusion; or unconsciousness. Call 911 immediately if someone exhibits those symptoms.
Children, senior adults and people with chronic illness are at highest risk of heat-related illness.
SGHD offers these tips to protect against heat-related illness:
- Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle.
- Drink plenty of water, even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid drinks that contain alcohol or caffeine. Also, avoid very cold drinks because they can cause stomach cramps.
- Avoid strenuous work or exercise outside during the hottest part of the day. If that is not practical, take frequent breaks and drink plenty of water.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
- Protect yourself from the sun with a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher (the most effective products say “broad spectrum” or “UVA/UVB protection” on their labels).
Susan Szuch reports on health and food for the Springfield News-Leader. Story idea? Email her at sszuch@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: National Weather Service warns Ozarks may see dangerously hot weather
