The Edmond Sun

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June 21, 2012

Summer sizzle to follow Thursday’s rain

Forecast includes 105-degree heat indices

Mark Schlachtenhaufen The Edmond Sun

EDMOND — Rainfall had the temperature at an unseasonably cool 70 degrees early Thursday afternoon at the Guthrie-Edmond Regional Airport, but highs in the mid to upper 90s are expected during the weekend.

Showers and storms were forming along a frontal boundary moving south through Oklahoma. Edmond’s forecast for Thursday afternoon included a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, according to the National Weather Service. Severe storms were unlikely.

However, a few strong storms producing gusty winds up to 50 mph, small hail and locally heavy downpours were possible during the afternoon and evening hours.

After Thursday, rain chances through Wednesday were non-existent, according to the forecast. Hot and humid conditions are expected to develop during the weekend into next week. Daytime heat indices may approach or even exceed 105 degrees much of next week.

Heat index is a number in degrees Fahrenheit that tells how it really feels when relative humidity is added to the actual air temperature, according to the American Red Cross. Exposure to full sunshine can increase the heat index by 15 degrees.

Each year, the American Red Cross issues tips for dealing with extreme heat. According to the organization heat can affect anyone, but it is more likely to affect young children, the elderly and people with health problems.

For example, people with a medical condition that causes poor blood circulation and those who take medications to get rid of water from the body (diuretics) or for certain skin conditions may be more susceptible. Consult a physician if you have any questions about how your medication may affect your ability to tolerate heat.  

Heat emergencies include:

• Heat cramps — heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms due to heavy exertion.

• Heat exhaustion — cool, moist, pale or flushed skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea or vomiting; dizziness; and exhaustion. Body temperature will be near normal.

• Heat stroke — hot, red skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; and rapid, shallow breathing. Body temperature can be very high — as high as 105 degrees. If the person was sweating from heavy work or exercise, skin may be wet; otherwise, it will feel dry. Heat stroke is a life-threatening situation. Help is needed fast. Call 911 or your local emergency number. Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the body. Immerse victim in a cool bath, or wrap wet sheets around the body and fan it. Watch for signals of breathing problems.

The latest outlook from the National Weather Service’s Climate Predication Center for June-August continues to indicate increased chances for above normal temperatures in Oklahoma. May ended the warmest spring in state history, according to the Oklahoma Climatological Survey.

For more information, visit the American Red Cross of Central Oklahoma’s website okc.redcross.org.



marks@edmondsun.com | 341-2121, ext. 108

 

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