Today is Iowa Heat Awareness Day! For those that don’t know what Iowa summers feel like, hot and humid are two perfect words to describe it. Iowa’s weather may not always be consistent or normal, but we can usually expect it to be in the 90s with high humidity at some point. Certainly other areas of the country experience this level of heat as well.
During this hot and humid weather, it becomes harder for our bodies to cool themselves. When too much water or salt is lost through sweating, our body temperatures rise and heat-related illnesses are more likely occur. Already in 2018, there have been seven vehicular heatstroke deaths in the United States. Remember, never leave children or pets in a vehicle! The temperature in a vehicle can rapidly increase and become deadly. If the outside temperature is 80 degrees Fahrenheit, in 10 minutes the temperature inside the vehicle will be near 100 degrees, in 30 minutes near 115 degrees, and in one hour near 125 degrees.
To stay safe during periods of hot and humid weather:
- Drink lots of water
- Take breaks to cool down
- Wear lightweight, loose fitting, and light-colored clothing
- Eat light and easy-to-digest foods
- Make sure pets and livestock have access to water
Stay cool!
Source: National Weather Service