DMV braces for scorching heat Wednesday; heat index to reach 105F
Summer Heat is making an encore presentation in the DMV on Wednesday.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issues a Heat Advisory when the heat index is greater than 105F.
Well, the Heat index values Wednesday will likely exceed 100 in many locations, peaking at 105 to 107 during the hottest part of the afternoon.
Due to the excessive heat predicted for Wednesday, recycling, trash and yard waste collections will begin one hour earlier at 6 a.m. in College Park.
Dress appropriately, and wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Protect yourself from the sun. Avoid direct sunlight and wear sunscreen, and stay in the shade when possible.
Schedule physical activity in the morning or evening when it's cooler, and take breaks if needed.
"It definitely has its difficulties, it does get very hot, the heat wave that we experience working on roofs and doing sidings. More frequent breaks, definitely more water. Some guys have passed out from heat exhaustion so you have to take it a little bit easier. You'll see them laying around in the shade or trying to find a neighbor's yard to cool off," said Brandon Mazzone, co-owner of Liberty Homes.
Check on others, check on friends and neighbors who may be susceptible to the heat, especially the elderly.
Early signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke include dizziness, weakness, faintness, increased heart rate and confusion.
The heat index is a measurement of how hot it feels when the air temperature and relative humidity are combined.
"Working on the roofs, obviously working with hot tar everything like that, being on a higher elevation, more direct sunlight. It's around 130 degrees, it feels like 140 degrees on the roof. We are up there hours on end working with heavy bundles. Each bundle is roughly 70 pounds, so slinging them around, running up and down ladders. You got to be careful because if you aren't wearing gloves your hands will actually melt on the roof basically, it will burn on, it's very, very hot," added Mazzone.
During extreme heat, the body works harder to maintain a normal temperature, which can be dangerous. And Wednesday is going to be one of those dangerous days.
Temperatures are forecasted to soar well into the 90s during the afternoon. Some areas may even reach 100 degrees.
The Maryland Department of Health is reiterating tips to help people cope with extreme heat, including; Staying hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids, even before you feel thirsty, and continue drinking after physical activity. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and drinks with lots of sugar, and don't drink very cold drinks, which can cause stomach cramps.
