Protecting Yourself From the 'Heat Dome'

It’s already hot across much of the U.S. But in many areas, it’s only getting hotter.

Forecasters are warning of a “heat dome” causing sweltering temperatures and high humidity in the central U.S. It’s expected to spread eastward in the next few days.

Excessive heat warnings and heat advisories were posted Friday across a large swath of the nation, from Minnesota to Texas. The National Weather Service warns the heat index (how hot it feels with humidity factored in) will be well over 100 degrees in some areas.

So what is a “heat dome?” Essentially, it’s a weather phenomenon involving a bubble of high pressure that traps warm air.

This year is already predicted to be the hottest on record. June was the 14th straight month of record heat for land and oceans, according to a Wednesday statement from the U.N.’s World Meteorological Association. The average temperature in the first six months of 2016 was 2.4 Fahrenheit degrees warmer than temperatures seen in the late 19th century.

Excessive heat means more than just being uncomfortable – hot temperatures can have serious or even deadly health effects. Those include dehydration, which can trigger increased thirst, weakness, dizziness, heart palpitations and fainting. Heat exhaustion occurs when your body loses water and salt through excessive sweating. Heat stroke occurs when your body loses the ability to cool itself and is a medical emergency.

Here’s how to keep yourself, your family and your pets safe:

Know the signs of heat-related illness: heat exhaustion is often accompanied by dehydration after you’ve been exposed to high temperatures. Without treatment, heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke, which can be deadly.
Consider indoor exercise, or stay safe when exercising outdoors. Try to work out in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler. Know the signs of heat cramps and dehydration, which can occur during exercise or work in the heat.
Watch children for symptoms of heat illness and dehydration when they’re playing outside. Children are at greater risk for heat illness than adults.
Pets can suffer from dehydration, heat stroke and sunburn too, and heat illness in pets can lead to confusion, seizures or even death.
Resource: webmd.com