The heat is on. It is sizzling right now on this first day of summer. Thursday marks the summer solstice. It is the longest day of the year with more than 14 hours of daylight and it will be unbearably hot.
Temperatures will once again hit 90 degrees or higher. That has been the pattern all week. The National Weather Service says this stretch of high heat will continue at least through next week. Temperatures this weekend could approach 100 degrees.
“It is unusual to have this type of heat. The strong high pressure we have over us is more like we would see in mid-summer,” said Dave Jones, former NBC4 meteorologist and current CEO of StormCenter Communications in Annapolis.
Jones said the average high temperature this time of year is in the low to mid-80s. Temperatures will be above that for a prolonged period, perhaps as much as 10 days.
“This kind of heat wave is more likely to happen because of climate change. We can expect more of this in the future. Without climate change this would be more of an outlier,” Jones said.
Rain is not in the forecast for the next few days. Jones said the lack of precipitation could lead to a flash drought.
Problems with Heat
While some people may like it hot, these high temperatures can be dangerous. Heatwaves claim more lives each year than any other weather event. The Red Cross of the National Capital and Greater Chesapeake Region urges residents to take steps now to keep safe.
The organization says staying hydrated is an important key. While individual needs may vary, the Red Cross recommends people drink about three quarts of water a day when temperatures get this hot.
It has some other tips to make sure people stay hydrated:
- Avoid sugary, caffeinated and alcoholic drinks
- If you are sweating a lot, combine water with snacks or drinks with electrolytes to replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat
- Check if you are getting enough water by noticing the color of your urine. A dark yellow color may indicate you are not drinking enough
- Talk with your doctor about how to prepare for the heat if you have a medical condition or are taking medicine
Staying Cool
The Red Cross also recommends people figure out ways to stay cool. The group says people should not rely on electric fans when it is this hot. Fans may not prevent heat-related illnesses. Instead, people should think about taking a cool shower or bath or move to an air-conditioned place to cool off. If a person does not have air-conditioning at home, he or she should find a place to stay cool such as the public library, a shopping mall, or a public cooling center.
Other Important Tips
Dr. Fabian Sandoval is CEO and Research Director at the Emerson Clinical Research Institute in Washington, D.C. He said it is important for people to protect themselves from the sun. Sandoval recommends people wear loose fitting clothes that are light in color with long sleeves to protect their skin. He also recommends people wear light hats, sunglasses to protect themselves from the sun’s rays, and put on sunscreen.
He said heat-related illnesses can be very serious. If people are experiencing problems with the heat, they may suddenly feel tired, or experience dizziness, headaches, and slurred speech. People should get indoors, drink water, or if their condition worsens, see their doctor or get to an emergency room.
