Good morning, and Happy Thursday WABBLES! It’s been a HEATed week and rough start for those walking to classes on the hill the first week back. I wish there was better news, but mother nature keeps on turning up the heat! Today is going to be even hotter than before, and tomorrow we can expect some of the most extreme heat to come.
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Starting Off The Day With Humid Heat
To start the day, the air will feel sticky with humidity, and warm with heat before the sun begins to really beam down on WABBLES. We can expect the lowest temps just before sunrise, around 6 am near 75o. From here on out, we can expect the sun to shine brightly and begin heating us like me using a microscope on little bugs like a crazy person as a child. Below is a comparison between 7-10am, with a large temperature difference. The temperature will increase over 10 degrees within a 3 hour time span!
Kicking it Up A Notch
Fun fact: the average temperature the month of August for Bowling Green is 78.5o, with an average maximum of 89.3o. That means this week alone we have broke that average record multiple times, and will today as well. Needless to say, this month’s heat wave has been pretty significant.
Heat index values will reach near 104o roughly around 4pm, which will definitely be the around the times everyone may want to limit their outside activity. Those walking on campus, be sure to have water, and wear light colored, loose-fitting clothing.
A Much Needed Break In The Future
A cold front to the north will begin heading towards us tomorrow night, and finally bring those cooler temperatures we’ve been looking forward to into Saturday. Dew points will drop significantly, bringing drier air and getting rid of those gnarly heat index values we are experiencing. Temperatures will be mild, yet still summer like, dropping into the lower 80’s, with lows expected in the low 70’s.
This being said, it is possible for a few showers and thunderstorms to accomodate the front, however, none are expected to be severe at the moment. After this, weather will be fair and we’ll see the weather we’ve been yearning for.
Protection During This “Cruel SUmmer” Heat
I’m no swiftie, but there’s no doubt the past few months has been a “cruel summer” with these heat index values.
Here are some things to be mindful of today and tomorrow while the heat continues on.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS):
Excessive Heat Warning—Take Action! An Excessive Heat Warning is issued within 12 hours of the onset of extremely dangerous heat conditions. The general rule of thumb for this Warning is when the maximum heat index temperature is expected to be 105° or higher for at least 2 days and night time air temperatures will not drop below 75°; however, these criteria vary across the country, especially for areas not used to extreme heat conditions. If you don’t take precautions immediately when conditions are extreme, you may become seriously ill or even die.
Outdoor Activities
- Slow down. Reduce, eliminate or reschedule strenuous activities until the coolest time of the day. Those particularly vulnerable to heat such as children, infants, older adults (especially those who have preexisting diseases, take certain medications, living alone or with limited mobility), those with chronic medical conditions, and pregnant women should stay in the coolest available place, not necessarily indoors.
- Dress for summer. Wear lightweight, loose fitting, light-colored clothing to reflect heat and sunlight.
- Minimize direct exposure to the sun. Sunburn reduces your body’s ability to dissipate heat.
Eating and Drinking
- Eat light, cool, easy-to-digest foods such as fruit or salads. If you pack food, put it in a cooler or carry an ice pack. Don’t leave it sitting in the sun. Meats and dairy products can spoil quickly in hot weather.
- Drink plenty of water (not very cold), non-alcoholic and decaffeinated fluids, even if you don’t feel thirsty. If you are on a fluid-restrictive diet or have a problem with fluid retention, consult a physician before increasing consumption of fluids.
- Do not take salt tablets unless specified by a physician.
Cooling Down
- Use air conditioners or spend time in air-conditioned locations such as malls and libraries.
- Use portable electric fans to exhaust hot air from rooms or draw in cooler air.
- Do not direct the flow of portable electric fans toward yourself when room temperature is hotter than 90°F. The dry blowing air will dehydrate you faster, endangering your health.
- Take a cool bath or shower.
That’s all for today WABBLES! Make sure to hydrate, and don’t forget to follow us on all social media platforms for the most recent weather updates and even some weather memes. Have a great Thursday everyone!