The Greenwood area is expected to have a few more days of excessive heat until it begins to cool off.
Since Wednesday, the Jackson bureau of the National Weather Service has flagged all of Leflore County as being at “extreme risk” for dangerous heat conditions, meaning temperatures will be in the 90s and 100s with heat stroke “imminent with prolonged outdoor activity.”
Take into account the humidity, and the temperature’s heat index is between 100 degrees and 115 degrees.
On Saturday, the high temperature is expected to be 99 degrees, with the heat index values ranging between 110 to 115, said Thomas Winesett, a meteorologist with the weather service. On Sunday, the high will be 96, with a heat index of 100 to 105.
An approaching cool front arriving from the north means there is a 70% chance of rain Sunday evening and throughout Monday, Winesett said.
Somewhat cooler temperatures are expected to arrive Monday, with a predicted high of 88 degrees and a heat index of 90. The rest of the week will be cooler with temperatures in the upper 80s, Winesett said.
In the meantime, Brenda Small, an infection prevention nurse and safety officer at Greenwood Leflore Hospital, provided tips by email on how to avoid heat exhaustion over the weekend.
“People suffer heat-related illness when the body’s temperature control system is overloaded. Once the body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down,” Small said, citing information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Body temperature can rise to 106 degrees or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke may lead to death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided.”
Small said people may experience heat cramps and exhaustion when enduring outside temperatures of 90 to 105 degrees.
Between 105 degrees and 130 degrees, a person is likely to experience heat exhaustion.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, fatigue and headaches as well as nausea or vomiting.
If a person needs to work out in the heat, Small advises staying cool by drinking a cup, or 8 ounces, of water every 15 to 20 minutes and wearing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing. She also recommends taking frequent breaks to allow the body to cool off.
People not accustomed to working or exercising in the heat should begin activities slowly before picking up the pace, she said.
“Exertion in the heat may cause the heart to pound and leave the person gasping for breath,” she said. “If this happens, immediately stop all activity. Get into a cool area or shade, then rest.”
Joseph Smith Sr., who was sitting on a stack of crates in the shade along Howard Street to get a respite from the heat, said that aside from a little breeze on Tuesday, the week has been “super hot.”
“I just hope it rains so it can cool us off for a little bit,” he said.
Safety precautions also must be taken to protect pets that stay outdoors.
Mississippi State University’s Extension Service, citing information from the American Veterinary Medical Association, said pets should be provided unlimited shade and fresh water throughout the day and should not be left in a vehicle under any circumstances, even for a short period.
Signs of heat stress among pets include excessive panting and drooling, a change in tongue color, restlessness, unsteadiness and collapse.
- Contact Gerard Edic at 581-7239 or gedic@gwcommonwealth.com.
