Today's Weather Service Warning: Hot! Hot! Hot!

Today's temperature is expected to reach 97 degree in Nashua, with a Heat Index of 102. Hillsborough County is included in the following Heat Advisory, in effect from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. July 5.

Understanding the Heat Index (From the National Weather Service)
The Heat Index Chart shaded zone above 105°F (orange or red) shows a level that may cause increasingly severe heat disorders with continued exposure or physical activity.

The hazards of excessive heat during extremely hot and humid weather is how it effects the body's ability to cool itself. When the body heats too rapidly to cool itself properly, or when too much fluid or salt is lost through dehydration or sweating, body temperature rises and heat-related illnesses may develop.

Heat-related illnesses can range from heat cramps to heat exhaustion to more serious heat stroke. Heat stroke can result in death and requires immediate medical attention. Factors or conditions that can make some people more susceptible to heat-related illnesses include age (older adults and young children), obesity, fever, heart disease, mental illness, poor circulation, prescription drug and alcohol use, and sunburn. Sunburn, caused by ultraviolet radiation from the sun, can significantly retard the skin's ability to shed excess heat.

Heat-Related Illness Symptoms and First Aid

• HEAT CRAMPS Symptoms: Painful muscle cramps and spasms usually in legs and abdomen Heavy sweating First Aid: Apply firm pressure on cramping muscles or gentle massage to relieve spasm. Give sips of water, if nausea occurs, discontinue water 
• HEAT EXHAUSTION Symptoms: Heavy sweating Weakness Cool, pale, clammy skin Weak pulse Possible muscle cramps Dizziness Nausea and vomiting Fainting Normal temperature possible First Aid: Move person to a cooler environment Remove or loosen clothing Apply cool, wet cloths Fan or move victim to air conditioned room Offer sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue water. If vomiting continues, seek immediate medical attention. 
• HEAT STROKE (or sunstroke) Symptoms: Altered mental state Possible throbbing headache, confusion, nausea, dizziness, shallow breathing High body temperature (106°F or higher) Skin may be hot and dry, or patient may be sweating Rapid pulse Possible unconsciousness First Aid: Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency. Summon emergency medical assistance or get the victim to a hospital immediately. Delay can be fatal. Move the victim to a cooler, preferably air-conditioned, environment Reduce body temperature with a water mister and fan or sponging Use fan if heat index temperatures are below the high 90s Use extreme caution If temperature rises again, repeat process Do NOT give fluids. 
• Never Leave Children, Disabled Adults or Pets in Parked Vehicles Each year, dozens of children and untold numbers of pets left in parked vehicles die from hyperthermia. Hyperthermia is an acute condition that occurs when the body absorbs more heat than it can handle. Hyperthermia can occur even on a mild day. Studies have shown that the temperature inside a parked vehicle can rapidly rise to a dangerous level for children, pets and even adults. Leaving the windows slightly open does not significantly decrease the heating rate. The effects can be more severe on children because their bodies warm at a faster rate than adults.