UPDATE: Heat Wave Continues
An extreme heat warning has been issued for Indiana and will be in effect until 8 p.m. Saturday. With the holiday week, local beaches will likely be busy with those trying to stay cool. Here, the beach at Lakeside Park in Syracuse was already busy this week. (Photo by Michele Sokol)
As of 4 p.m., the NWS reported a record high of 101 degrees at Fort Wayne. That ties a record for this day set in 1955. In South Bend, the thermostat hit 100 degrees. The last time temperatures reached that high there on this day was in 1999.
An excessive heat warning remains in effect for most of Indiana, Illinois, southern Michigan and western Illinois through 8 p.m. Saturday, July 7.
The NWS says temperatures are expected to rise into the high 90s with lows in the lower to middle 70s through Saturday. At 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, the NWS was already reporting 90 degrees.
The duration of the heat wave will make it particularly dangerous due to the cumulative effects of exposure to the heat. Elderly and young children are especially susceptible to the effects of the heat and should take extra precautions.
Coupling the dangerous weather will be poor air quality resulting from smoke from the wildfires out west, stagnant air masses and elevated ozone levels.
People are encouraged to know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency and 911 should be called.
Warning signs of heat stroke vary but may include the following:
- An extremely high body temperature (above 103°F)
- Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)
- Rapid, strong pulse
- Throbbing headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Unconsciousness
The warning signs of heat exhaustion include the following:
- Heavy sweating
- Paleness
- Muscle cramps
- Tiredness
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fainting
The skin may be cool and moist. The pulse rate will be fast and weak, and breathing will be fast and shallow. If heat exhaustion is untreated, it may progress to heat stroke. See medical attention if symptoms worsen or last longer than one hour.
