The National Weather Service is warning of a heatwave that will hit much of the central and eastern United States this week, including Michigan.
The service’s Detroit/Pontiac office issued an urgent heat warning early Tuesday morning around 3 a.m. for all of southeast Michigan, including St. Clair, Sanilac, Lapeer and Macomb counties that is set to last until noon Thursday.
“High temperatures reach the mid 90s to near 100 degrees and combine with high humidity to result in heat index of 105 degrees or greater each day,” the warning states. “Little relief occurs at night as low temperatures only fall into the mid and upper 70s with nighttime heat index around 80.”
The warning comes as many families prepare to travel for the upcoming Fourth of July weekend marking the 250th anniversary of the United States’ founding.
The National Weather Service is encouraging people to drink plenty of fluids, avoid too much time in the sun and stay in air-conditioned rooms to resist the heat, and to check that their neighbors are doing the same.
The heat warning states those who do go outside should wear light, loose-fitting clothes and avoid strenuous activity while the sun is up. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends those working outdoors be allowed frequent breaks in the shade or air-conditioned environments.
It is more important than usual to avoid leaving children or pets alone in cars, as temperatures in vehicles can quickly become lethal.
Justin Westmiller, director of Homeland Security and Emergency Management for St. Clair County, said several public buildings would be available for cooling off in the county.
All county libraries will act as cooling stations during normal business hours from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mid City Nutrition will also be open as a cooling station from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., as will Birchwood Mall from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Residents can also stop by any fire station in the county if needed for use as a cooling station.
Contact Johnathan Hogan at jhogan@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Port Huron Times Herald: Dangerous heat wave hits southeast Michigan this week
Reporting by Johnathan Hogan, Port Huron Times Herald / Port Huron Times Herald
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Johnathan Hogan, Port Huron Times Herald | USA TODAY Network
