The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat alert Sunday for New Castle County.
An excessive heat watch is in effect from Wednesday morning through Saturday night. Excessive heat alerts are issued when conditions are favorable for excessive heat in the next 24 to 72 hours. Dangerously hot conditions are possible Wednesday through Saturday with heat index values of 100 to 105.
According to the National Weather Service, a prolonged period of excessive heat is expected this week with high temperatures as high as 90 degrees. The heat will get worse as the week progresses, peaking late in the week and into the weekend. These early season heat events, combined with their prolonged nature, can cause an increase in heat-related impacts such as heat illness.
Heat advisory issued for New Castle County
The National Weather Service had already issued a heat advisory for New Castle County. The heat advisory is from 10 am to 10 pm on Tuesday.
A heat advisory is issued within 12 hours of extreme heat conditions. Typically, the heat index will be above 100 degrees and the overnight air temperature will not drop below 75 degrees. Tuesday’s heat index is expected to reach 102.
What should people do during extreme heat conditions?
- Drink much liquid.
- Stay in an air-conditioned room.
- Stay out of the sun.
- Check on family and neighbors.
- Take extra precautions when you are outside.
- Wear light, loose clothing.
- Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or afternoon.
- Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Who is most vulnerable to heat?
According to the National Weather Service, heat is among the leading causes of weather-related deaths. These are the groups most affected by high temperatures:
- Young children and babies are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illness and death because their bodies are less able to adapt to heat than adults.
- Older adults, particularly those with pre-existing conditions, take certain medications, live alone or with limited mobility, and are exposed to extreme heat may experience multiple adverse effects.
- People with chronic illnesses are more likely to have serious health problems during a heat wave than healthy people.
- Pregnant women are also at higher risk. Extreme heat events have been associated with adverse birth outcomes, such as low birth weight, preterm birth and infant mortality, as well as congenital cataracts.
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