After a cool Monday, temperatures return to near normal Tuesday with highs climbing into the mid 80s by Tuesday evening.
Summer officially arrives Wednesday at 7:09 p.m. -- and right on cue -- it will FEEL like summer.
Wednesday is just the start of a stretch of heat and humidity.
An Excessive Heat Warning is in effect for the city and surrounding counties beginning Wednesday afternoon through Thursday morning.
Temperatures will be in the mid 90s Wednesday. It'll be around 100 degrees Thursday, but once you factor in humidity, the Heat Index will be closer to 103 and that's what it feels like to our bodies.
As with any extended period of dangerous heat it is important to keep these safety tips in mind:
- Stay hydrated (with non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated beverages, sorry guys), regardless of your activity level.
- Stay indoors, in an air-conditioned place, if possible.
- Limit your outdoor activity.
- Take a cool shower or bath.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
- Never leave anyone alone in a closed, parked vehicle.
- Don't forget to check on your elderly neighbors.
And don't forget, it's your job to keep your pets safe as the temperatures rise. Here's some helpful tips to help you:
- If your pet spends time outside or in the yard, make sure they have some shade to get out of the sun and make sure they have lots of fresh clear water shaded from the direct sun. Water bowls sitting in the sun can get very hot creating a scalding bowl of water.
- Never leave a pet in a car alone, even with the windows down a crack or the air conditioner running. Even on cooler days, a car can become a furnace very quickly.
- Consider getting an inexpensive plastic kiddie pool for your dog to cool down in post- outdoor exercise. Some dogs also like to play in sprinklers.
- If you have a swimming pool, do not leave your dog unattended in the pool area. Not all dogs can swim -- they can drown if they fall into the water. They can also get sick from drinking chlorinated pool water.
