The Chance of You Having a Heat Stroke Today is Dangerously High

In Texas, complaining about the heat is a common pastime.  Sometimes, we'll even brag about how it takes a special breed to be able to endure the summers in the Pineywoods.

All kidding aside, however, we should take this current heat wave seriously.

Heat Advisory Issued

The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for all of East Texas today. If you live anywhere in the Pineywoods, you can expect 'feels like' temperatures to reach between 110-115 degrees later in the afternoon.

Not meaning to bring Tom Cruise into the conversation, but this falls in the Danger Zone when it comes to the Heat Index Chart.

The Takeaway From This Chart

You already know it's going to be oppressively hot, but you should also know the warning signs for heat stroke. If you spend a decent amount of time outdoors in heat like this, or if you're doing something strenuous, the chances of having a heat-related disorder, such as heat stroke, are high.

Symptoms to Watch Out For

A heat stroke, sometimes called a sunstroke, occurs when your body's core temperature starts to rise. When that internal temperature reaches about 104, you are experiencing a full-on heat stroke.

Here are some symptoms to be aware of:

• Dizziness and light-headedness
• Throbbing headache
• Lack of sweating
• Red, hot, and dry skin
• Overall weakness and cramps
• Rapid heartbeat
• Nausea/vomiting
• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Confusion and/or disorientation
• Seizures
• Fainting/Unconsciousness

Once you start to experience any of the first few symptoms, it's time to head indoors and cool down. If you wait for the symptoms farther down the list to appear, it could be fatal.

Steps to Avoid Heat-related Illnesses

The Centers for Disease Control strongly encourages the following:

• Stay in an air-conditioned indoor location as much as you can.
• Drink plenty of fluids even if you don’t feel thirsty.
• Schedule outdoor activities carefully.
  • Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing and sunscreen.
  • Pace yourself.
• Take cool showers or baths to cool down.
• Check on a friend or neighbor and have someone do the same for you.
• Never leave children or pets in cars.
• Check the local news for health and safety updates.

East Texas summers are hot, no doubt about that. But, we also run into periodic heat waves through the summer months...this is one of those times. The forecast is expecting the heat index to be well above 100 degrees through the weekend and beyond.

So, do your best to avoid prolonged exposure to the heat, and stay patient, the first day of Fall (which will probably be hot, too) is around 3 months away.