Millions of Texans are facing dangerous heat Thursday as temperatures climb into the triple digits across much of the state, with the Dallas-Fort Worth area expected to hit 108 degrees.
The National Weather Service has issuedextreme heat warnings and heat advisories
on Aug. 20 for parts of the South Plains to North Texas and down the Gulf Coast, urging people to limit time outdoors and to stay hydrated.For Houston, Austin and San Antonio, local weather services are forecasting the cities to see a heat index anywhere from 108 to 112.
Here's what you need to know to stay safe in Texas' extreme heat.
Extreme heat warning hits Dallas-Fort Worth, North Texas
The weather service's extreme heat warning is in effect for the DFW metroplex and much of North Texas until 8 p.m. Aug. 20.
"Extreme heat is dangerous,
especially for those without reliable shelter. Limit time outdoors during the hottest time of the day, typically from 2 to 7 p.m., rest in the shade when possible, and drink plenty of water," the weather advisory said.
The weather service also urged people to find nearby cooling centers through local resources or by dialing 2-1-1 in Texas, and to watch for heatstroke and exhaustion.
What’s the difference between temperature and heat index?
The temperature is the actual air reading — what a thermometer records in the shade. The heat index, on the other hand, represents what it feels like to the human body when both temperature and humidity are factored in, according to the National Weather Service.
When humidity is high, sweat doesn’t evaporate as easily, making it harder for your body to cool down. That’s why the heat index is often higher than the air temperature, and why it’s used to gauge the risk of heat-related illness.
What is an extreme heat warning?
The National Weather Service issues different alerts depending on how severe and certain the heat threat is, and the thresholds vary by region.
- Extreme Heat Warning — Take Action!: Extremely dangerous heat conditions are expected or happening. Avoid outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, stay in air-conditioning as much as possible — even overnight — and check on family, friends, and neighbors.
- Extreme Heat Watch — Be Prepared!: Forecasters see the potential for extreme heat but details on timing and severity remain uncertain. Plan for the possibility of suspending outdoor activities and make arrangements for a cool place to stay if you don't have air conditioning.
- Heat Advisory — Take Action!: Dangerous heat is expected but conditions don’t meet warning criteria. Limit time outside, stay hydrated, and take frequent breaks in the shade or in cool spaces.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion, heatstroke
Heat exhaustion can present the following symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
- Dizziness.
- Thirst.
- Nausea.
- Weakness.
If left untreated, heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke, in which a person's internal body temperature reaches 106 degrees or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heatstroke can lead to permanent body damage and death if left untreated.
Symptoms of heatstroke are:
- Confusion, altered mental status, slurred speech.
- Loss of consciousness (coma).
- Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating.
- Seizures.
- Very high body temperature.
After calling 911, the CDC advises getting those affected by heatstroke to a cooler environment or shade and removing outer clothing. Also, try to cool down the person in one of the following ways:
- Give a cold-water or ice bath, if possible.
- Wet the skin.
- Place cold, wet cloths on the skin.
- Soak clothing with cool water.
- Circulate air around the person to speed cooling.
National heat index map: How hot does your city feel?
The map below identifies areas where the heat index is forecasted to reach NWS-defined levels from "Caution" (80 degrees Fahrenheit) to "Extreme Danger" (above 125 degrees).
The heat index measures how hot it actually feels when factoring for humidity. Prolonged exposure to a heat index above 80 degrees can lead to fatigue, as previously reported by USA TODAY. As it gets hotter, the risk continues to increase − potentially resulting in heatstroke or even death. Older adults, children, and outdoor workers are generally at higher risk of heat-related incidents.
Search the heat index forecast in your area
Is your city getting hotter? It's possible! You can check the heat index forecast here to find out!
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Mateo Rosiles is the Texas Connect reporter for USA TODAY and its regional papers in Texas. Got a news tip for him? Email him at mrosiles@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dangerous heat grips Texas with triple digits from D-FW to Gulf Coast
