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WFO Lake Charles      Summer 2005
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                  Spring 2005

And the Heat Goes On!
by Mike Marcotte, Journeyman Forecaster

Summer is once again upon us and with it, hot and humid days as well as warm and muggy nights.  Most of the time the conditions are bearable for hardy southerners, but occasionally a combination of unusually high temperatures and high humidity will test even the hardiest of these.

Based on research findings, the National Weather Service has devised the Heat Index (HI), which is sometimes referred to as the apparent temperature.  The HI, given in degrees Fahrenheit, is an accurate measure of how hot it really feels when relative humidity is combined with the actual air temperature.

image of the sun

During an extreme heat event, your local National Weather Service will issue a “Heat Advisory” or “Heat Warning”.  Heat advisories are issued when the heat index is expected to reach a range of 107 to 110 degrees.  Heat warnings are issued for an expected heat index at or above 110 degrees.  In a normal year, about 175 Americans succumb to the demands of summer heat.
 

Heat Safety Tips 

·        Slow down - strenuous activities should be reduced, eliminated or rescheduled to the coolest time of the day. 

·        Dress for summer - lightweight light-colored clothing reflects heat and sunlight, and helps your body maintain normal temperatures. 

·        Drink plenty of water or other non-alcoholic fluids. 

·        Spend more time in air-conditioned locations. 

·        Don’t get too much sun, and use a strong sunscreen!

 
 
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Page last modified: July 12, 2005

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