Mother Nature Cranks Up The Heat

The heat is on.

Temperatures climbed to climbed to 96 Wednesday and felt even hotter.

That’s just for starters.

The hottest heat wave since 1995 climaxes Thursday with a forecast high of 99. Factoring humidity, it could feel like 110.

The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning that will remain in effect until 10 p.m. Thursday.

The prolonged period of heat can cause a cumulative effect of heat stress to stress, especially when shade or air conditioning is not available, according to the weather service, and people are advised to avoid strenuous outdoor activity, which can lead to heat stroke, heat exhaustion or heat cramps.

As a response, Washtenaw County Public Health is opening two cooling centers to the public from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday. These centers will provide air conditioned space and water. Seniors, persons with disabilities or severe heat sensitive conditions may request free transportation to identified cooling centers by calling Emergency Management at 734-973-4900. The centers are located at:

• Washtenaw County Human Service, 555 Towner, Ypsilanti, room 1007.

• Washtenaw County Office Building, 200 N. Main, Ann Arbor, lower level conference room.

“Continued exposure to high temperatures can have a cumulative effect our bodies,” says Monique Reeves, MD, MPH, Washtenaw County Public Health’s Medical Director in a release issued by the county. “It’s increasingly important to be cautious when it remains hot for multiple days.”

On Wednesday in Saline, it was mostly life-as-usual.

The fire department reported a few more heat-related ambulance calls.. Saline Police dispatcher Sandy Wood said there weren’t any indications that the heat was causing tempers to flare up—in Saline, anyway.

The heat didn’t burn up the rec league sports schedule, either. Saline Recreation Supervisor Sunshine Lambert said a few recreation sports activities were cancelled, but not because of the weather.

“We’ve talked with officials and we’re going to monitor events closely. We’re bringing out extra water for the players and if anyone shows signs of exhaustion, we’ll call off events,” Lambert said Wednesday afternoon.

In a twist, on one of the hottest days of the year, a group of kids showed up at the Rec Center day camp Wednesday morning wearing long pants and carrying their mittens and winter hats.

“Our weekly field trip was to the Ann Arbor Ice Cube. It just sort of worked out,” Lambert said, adding that guests made have made good use of the Rec Center’s pools this week.

Washtenaw County Public Health provides the following tips for staying safe and avoiding heat-related illness during Thursday’s weather.

Heat illness can occur when the body is unable to cool down. The body normally cools down by sweating. During extremely hot weather, sweating may not be enough to cool the body.

• Use an air conditioner or go to a cooler place. Spending even a few hours a day in air conditioning can reduce your risk for heat-related illness.
• Drink extra water to stay hydrated. Avoid beverages that contain caffeine or alcohol. 
• Take a cool shower or bath.
• Avoid outdoor exercise and physical activity during the hottest part of the day. Or, reduce or eliminate any outdoor activities during a heat wave.
• Stay out of the sun. If you must be in the sun, wear thin and light-colored clothing, a hat and sunglasses. Wear sunscreen and reapply every two hours.
• Check on family members, neighbors and friends daily. Help them move them to a cool place if necessary.
• Never leave children, older adults or pets in parked vehicles. Vehicles heat up very quickly and can become dangerous, even with the windows open.