Heat advisory issued, stay hydrated

Published 4:27 pm Monday, July 1, 2024

BROOKHAVEN — The National Weather Service in Jackson issued a heat advisory for Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Temperatures, humidity and the heat index will be prime conditions for heat stress. It is important to stay hydrated in the heat.

Tuesday will have a high of 98 and heat index of 105. Hot temperatures and high humidity could cause heat illness. People should drink plenty of fluids, stay out of the sun and check in on relatives and neighbors. Take extra precautions if you do work outside, wear light and loose fitting clothing which cover the skin, a hat, sunscreen and try to limit strenuous activities. 

Wednesday could have some thunderstorms, a 60 percent chance of rain and highs at 93. July 4th will have a high of 93 degrees. None of the forecasted temperatures will set a record. 

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Fight dehydration

One indication of how hydrated you are is the color of your urine. A darker yellow indicates dehydration, but a lemonade yellow is an indicator of hydration. Clear urine is an indicator of over hydration.

The second indicator is body weight. People who can’t replenish the weight lost during a workout are more than likely dehydrated. 

Water doesn’t have to be cold for an athlete to hydrate. If anything, room temperature water will be absorbed by the blood stream more than cold water will. Cold water does have a secondary benefit of cooling the body’s core temperature. 

According to the Center for Disease Control, dehydration is not the only heat-related ailment athletes must work to prevent. Heat exhaustion causes heavy sweating, cold, pale and clammy skin, dizziness, headaches and nausea.

People should move to a cool place, put on cool wet clothes or towels on their body and sip water. People should seek medical help if they are throwing up, their symptoms get worse, or the symptoms last longer than an hour. 

Heat stroke is more severe and could lead to death. People afflicted with heat stroke will have body temperature of 103 degrees or higher, hot, red, rashy or damp skin, a fast strong pulse, headache, dizziness, nausea, and passing out. The CDC says you should provide care to a victim of heat stroke, call 911, move the person to a cool place and help lower the person’s temperature.

If you see signs of heat stroke or heat exhaustion take action. Heat exhaustion is likely with prolonged outdoor activities.