Weather Service offers tips, warnings for today’s heat
Post-Tribune staff report June 28, 2012 11:44AM
Nayelie Gutierrez, 6, of East Chicago, soaks up the falling water at the Wicker Park Splash Pad in Highland, Ind. Thursday June 28, 2012. "It's too hot," said Nayelie's mother Carmen Gutierrez who brought her family to the splash pad to keep cool. | Stephanie Dowell~Sun-Times Media
Updated: July 30, 2012 6:21AM
Have you been outside yet? If not, and you don’t have a reason to leave the house, Friday might be a good day to stay inside and watch TV.
The National Weather Service issued another heat advisory for Friday, in effect until 8 p.m. Forecast highs range from 95 to 104 in Northwest Indiana. Humidity levels will push the heat index to between 100 and 110.
Thunderstorms ripped across Northwest Indiana on Thursday night accompanied by high winds, rain and, in some cases, hail. It capped a day of grueling heat.
The official high Thursday at O’Hare International Airport reached 100, one degree short of the all-time high, according to the National Weather Service. The city hasn’t endured triple-digit temperatures since 2005.
In Indiana, the temperature soared to a record 106 degrees in Fort Wayne and Evansville, and 104 degrees in Indianapolis, the National Weather Service, as a large ridge of high pressure brought in the hottest temperatures in nearly 80 years.
The forecast for Friday lead to an elevated ozone advisory from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management in LaPorte, Lake and Porter counties. IDEM declared Friday an Air Quality Action Day.
In order to reduce ozone, IDEM recommends walking, biking, carpooling and using public transportation. Using the drive-thru and taking multiple trips should be avoided, and don’t use gasoline-powered lawn equipment until after 7 p.m.
The Weather Service offers plenty of tips on how to deal with the heat, but also warns of sunstroke, heat cramps and exhaustion. None of those options are anywhere near as fun as staying indoors with the air conditioning.
If you don’t have air conditioning, call your local municipality and find the nearest cooling center or call a friend or relative. Your life could depend on it. And if you know of someone who might need to be in a cooler environment, pick up the phone and check on them.
Among the most important tips:
Wear lightweight and loose clothing.
Drink plenty of water.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends frequent rest breaks in shaded areas or in air conditioning if you have to work outside.
The National Weather Service in its tips and precautions always warns people about how to ensure the safety of children and pets. Here it is and please pay attention: Never leave children and pets unattended in your car. During hot weather, the car’s interior temperature can reach lethal levels in minutes.
A Ball State University professor advises being careful with other people due to tempers flaring during hot and humid weather.
In a statement, Jerry McKean, a criminal justice professor, said “heat aggravation” makes people lose tempers more quickly than usual. Youths are most likely to offend during the summer months.
