Michigan is kicking off summer with a dangerous heat wave this weekend, but experts say there are ways you can keep cool.
The National Weather Service will have extreme heat watches in effect Saturday morning, June 21, until Tuesday evening, June 24, in southeast Michigan, west Michigan and mid-Michigan, with temperatures set to reach the mid- to upper 90s across much of the Lower Peninsula.
To stay safe and avoid overheating, practice habits like drinking water often and staying out of sunlight, experts recommend. Exposure to extreme temperatures can lead to life-threatening, heat-related illnesses like heat stroke, heat exhaustion and heat cramps, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
“During extremely hot and humid weather, your body’s ability to cool itself is challenged. When the body heats too rapidly to cool itself properly, or when too much fluid or salt is lost through dehydration or sweating, body temperatures rise and you or someone you care about may experience a heat-related illness,” the weather service says.
Here’s what to know.
How dangerous is excessive heat?
Heat-related illnesses can arise during heat waves, including heat cramps, heat stroke and heat exhaustion, according to the weather service.
Amid extreme temperatures, body temperature rises faster than it can cool itself down, risking damage to the brain and other vital organs, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
What can you do to keep cool in Michigan?
Good practices can lower your risk of health issues and keep your body heat down, per the American Red Cross and the World Health Organization. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
What is extreme heat?
Extreme heat is when temperatures are 90 degrees or above for a period of two to three days, per the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This typically includes hot, humid conditions.
Who is most at risk?
Certain groups face a greater risk, including young children and newborns, pregnant women, older adults and people with chronic medical conditions. Other risk factors include alcohol use, dehydration, fever, heart disease, high humidity levels, mental illness, obesity, poor circulation, prescription drug use and sunburn.
Though heat-related deaths are preventable, over 1,000 Americans are killed by excessive heat annually, the CDC says.
How can you tell you’re getting too hot?
Your body will begin to signal to you that something’s wrong amid extreme heat. Here are some symptoms of heat exhaustion, per the Mayo Clinic:
What is a heat index?
The heat index shows how the temperature feels to your body when combining the relative humidity and the air temperature, per the weather service.
Where can you go to cool down?
In cases of extreme heat emergencies, communities across Michigan may open cooling centers to provide relief for residents. Check with your local city or township to see what options they offer.
Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Dangerous heat wave to hit Michigan. Follow these tips to stay cool
Reporting by Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
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