ITHACA, N.Y. — Friday’s 80 degrees is going to feel mild compared to what’s ahead. For a little perspective, it will be 20 degrees hotter Sunday and Monday than Friday.
A heat advisory is in effect from Saturday to 10 p.m. Monday. On Saturday afternoon it will be 95 to 100 degrees and increase to 100 to 105 degrees Sunday and Monday afternoons. On top of that, there will be high humidity.
There may be some relief overnight as temperatures are expected to drop into the 70s briefly during the early morning hours, an advisory from the National Weather Service states.
People who work or spend time outside should take extra precautions, drink extra fluids and know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
People with pets should keep a close eye on them if outside this weekend. Dr. Ellen Tremante, who works at Colonial Veterinary Hospital in Ithaca, said while 100 degrees is in general not too hot to have pets outside, they should not be undergoing any vigorous activities. Dog owners with “squished face faces” like bulldogs or Boston terriers should be extra cautions, Tremante said.
Some signs that a pet may be overheating include “collapse, excessive or severe panting and not being able to calm down,” Tremante said. A dog’s temperature shouldn’t reach higher than 102 degrees, she said.
If a pet is overheating, bring them inside and give lots of cool water. When in doubt, pet owners should call their vet.
Related: Even on mild days, think twice about leaving pets or kids in cars
People should also take precautions, like drinking lots of water, limiting strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day and wearing loose clothing. For people who don’t have air conditioning at home, consider spending the hottest part of the day in air conditioned spaces like the library or the mall.
Be sure to check on the elderly and neighbors during the extreme heat.
The Tompkins County Health Department has issued a list of precautions in the extreme heat expected, listed in full below:
- Drink plenty of water – 2 to 4 glasses per hour
- Limit strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day (between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.)
- Prevent sunburn by applying sunscreen if you must be outside (SPF 15 or higher)
- Wear loose, lightweight and light colored clothing
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine and sugary drinks that cause dehydration
- Take a cool shower or go swimming
- Wear a ventilated hat, such as straw or mesh
- Never leave children or pets alone in vehicles
- Go to air-conditioned spaces such as a mall, library, or community center
- Use caution with electric fans; they create air flow and a sense of comfort, but do not lower body temperature.
Know the warning signs of heat-related illness. Check out our Preparedness Page.
Heat stroke is most serious. Signs and symptoms include an extremely high body temperature above 103 degrees; hot, dry, red skin; rapid pulse; loss of alertness; confusion; rapid and shallow breathing and unconsciousness. Call 911 immediately and cool the person quickly.
Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat related illness and is characterized by heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea and vomiting, cool clammy skin, fainting. Move the person to a cool place, loosen clothes and apply cool, wet cloths.
If you see someone showing these symptoms, move the person to a cool place, loosen their clothes and apply cool, wet cloths.
Additional links:
- For general information: TompkinsCountyNY.gov/health/summer/heat.
- National Weather Service heat safety tips: weather.gov/safety
- Red Cross heat safety tips: RedCross.org: How to prepare for emergencies.
- National Weather Service Ithaca forecast page: weather.gov/bgm
Featured image provided by NOAA