Officials Warning of Extreme Heat Dangers Friday

The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for coastal areas of Rockingham County and other parts of the Granite State due to a heat index that could reach as high as 107 degrees.

Temperatures in the upper 90s are expected for much of Friday, and temperatures could approach 100 degrees in the early afternoon, according to the National Weather Service. High humidity could make this heat feel even more severe, and officials are urging residents and beachgoers to use caution and drink plenty of water, especially when going outside.

"An excessive heat warning means that a prolonged period of dangerously hot temperatures will occur," wrote the NWS in the warning. "The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a dangerous situation in which heat illnesses are likely." 

The heat warning will be in effect until 7 p.m. Friday. Temperatures are expected to peak around 3:30 p.m.

Many communities have opened cooling centers. For a complete list of locations, click here.

Officials have advised residents not to leave animals or people in vehicles, even for only a short period of time, due to the potential of a dangerous and possibly deadly greenhouse effect. Locals have also warned against possible burn risks associated with scalding beach sand.

The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services earlier this week reminded people in periods of high heat like this, to limit outdoor exposure, especially in the middle of the day, and to keep hydrated, drinking plenty of fluids but staying away from caffeine, alcohol and large amounts of sugar. Any outdoor exercise should be done early in the morning or late in the evening.

According to DHHS: 

When  the  body is unable to cool itself sufficiently by sweating, the body temperature  rises  and  people  begin  to  experience symptoms indicating distress.  Cool,  moist,  pale,  or flushed skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea  or  vomiting;  dizziness;  and/or fatigue  are  symptoms  of  heat exhaustion,  which  generally  occurs when people exercise or work in hot, humid  conditions  and  body fluids  are lost. If the person does not take action,  with  cool beverages, seeking air conditioning, rest, and removing heavy clothing, heat stroke can result.

The  symptoms  of  heat  stroke  include red skin that is hot to the touch; changes  in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; and rapid, shallow breathing. The  temperature may rise dramatically and the patient’s skin may feel dry. If  someone  is  experiencing  heat stroke, they should be moved to a cool place and be cooled down with water if possible, and emergency medical help should be called immediately because heat stroke can be life threatening.