Stay cool: Major heat wave on the way
A major heat wave is descending on Western Montana, with temperatures in the next few days expected to soar into the 90s in the Flathead Valley and possibly hitting 100 in Missoula.
Forecasts from the National Weather Service call for a high of 87 today in the Flathead Valley, rising to 91 on Saturday, 93 on Sunday and Monday and 92 on Tuesday.
“One of the impacts of most concern to public safety is the sudden change to warmer temperatures since the public has not yet acclimated to warmer temperatures this summer,” a Weather Service advisory said.
The heat wave will be one of the earliest recorded here in the past 120 years.
The Montana Red Cross recommends steps people can follow to stay safe when temperatures soar.
“Excessive heat can be deadly; it has caused more deaths across the country in recent years than all other weather events,” said Rod Kopp, chief executive officer of American Red Cross of Montana. “We want everyone to stay safe when the temperatures are high.”
Heat safety tips provided by the Red Cross include:
q Never leave children or pets alone in a car, since the inside temperature of the car can quickly reach life-threatening levels.
q Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.
q Avoid extreme temperature changes.
q Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.
q Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.
q Postpone outdoor games and activities.
q Use a buddy system when working in excessive heat. Take frequent breaks if working outdoors.
q Check on family, friends and neighbors who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.
q Check on animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat. Make sure they have plenty of cool water and shade.
A major heat wave is descending on Western Montana, with temperatures in the next few days expected to soar into the 90s in the Flathead Valley and possibly hitting 100 in Missoula.
Forecasts from the National Weather Service call for a high of 87 today in the Flathead Valley, rising to 91 on Saturday, 93 on Sunday and Monday and 92 on Tuesday.
“One of the impacts of most concern to public safety is the sudden change to warmer temperatures since the public has not yet acclimated to warmer temperatures this summer,” a Weather Service advisory said.
The heat wave will be one of the earliest recorded here in the past 120 years.
The Montana Red Cross recommends steps people can follow to stay safe when temperatures soar.
“Excessive heat can be deadly; it has caused more deaths across the country in recent years than all other weather events,” said Rod Kopp, chief executive officer of American Red Cross of Montana. “We want everyone to stay safe when the temperatures are high.”
Heat safety tips provided by the Red Cross include:
v Never leave children or pets alone in a car, since the inside temperature of the car can quickly reach life-threatening levels.
v Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.
v Avoid extreme temperature changes.
v Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.
v Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.
v Postpone outdoor games and activities.
v Use a buddy system when working in excessive heat. Take frequent breaks if working outdoors.
v Check on family, friends and neighbors who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.
v Check on animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat. Make sure they have plenty of cool water and shade.
v People who don’t have air conditioning should choose places to go for relief from the heat during the warmest part of the day (libraries, theaters, malls).