If you’ve gone outside this week, you know it’s been scorching, with temperatures reaching three-digits.
This Thursday is another hot and humid day, with southwest winds at 10 to 15 mph.
High temperatures will be in the upper 80s at the beaches but most of the area will reach the low to mid 90s.
The heat index will be between 100-105 again this afternoon.
The extreme heat can be hazardous to your health, according to Dr. Joyce Perfetti, an ER physician at AdventHealth Tampa.
With this, there are steps you can take to stay cool in the heat, as well as symptoms to look for if the heat starts making you unwell.
“Some of the early signs of heat-related illness are: difficulty cooling down, so you’re constantly feeling hot, profuse sweating, progressing then to becoming a little light-headed, weak, nauseous, and believe it or not, headache,” said Dr. Perfetti.
According to the CDC, what to look for with heat stroke includes high body temperature (103 degrees or higher); hot, red, dry, or damp skin; fast, strong pulse; headache; dizziness; nausea; confusion and
losing consciousness.
“By the time you start getting dizzy, light-headed, confused, vomiting in the heat, it’s time to go to the emergency room to get evaluated,” said Perfetti.
“At that point, if you’re vomiting, you’re probably not able to keep up with your oral hydration, and you’re going to keep purging and losing, so at that point, you might need some IV medications.”
Dr. Perfetti said the best thing you can do is take preventative measures.
“Don’t even let yourself get there,” said Perfetti. “Stay orally hydrated throughout the day. Make sure that you bring cool ice with you so you can cool down if needed. If you’re going to the beach or park, pack some shade. Prevention is key.”
If you find someone showing indications of heat stroke, the CDC recommends moving them to a cooler location, lowering their temperature using cool garments or a cool bath, and calling 911 immediately.