Excessive heat, hazardous weather in forecast
Published 12:00 am Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Today is what people in the weather business call a “triple threat” – with excessive heat warnings, excessive heat watches and hazardous weather forecasted for tonight.
The National Weather Service is reporting a forecasted heat index as high as 111 and a temperature of 99 degrees.
There could be some relief in the afternoon hours with the chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms mainly after 1 p.m. Some of these storms could be strong with brief strong wind gusts up to 45 mph.
“Hot and humid conditions will continue through Sunday,” said Susan Carpenter, county emergency management agency director. “There is a continued risk of heat-related illnesses, so protect yourself.”
Carpenter said to date, no one has reported any heat-related health issues to the local EMA office.
Merrill Davis, executive director of the Covington County Chapter of the American Red Cross, said residents should continue, “to keep hydrated; slow down, and avoid strenuous activity.”
“The best advice we can give is if air-conditioning is not available, to stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine,” he said. “And remember, electric fans do not cool, they simply circulate the air.”
Currently, there are no plans to open heat-relief shelters.
Weather forecasts predict on Wednesday, a 98 degree high; on Thursday, a 95 degree high; and on Friday, a 96 degree high with a 40 percent chance of rain.