Friday, July 22, 2011
 
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Excessive heat to continue through Sunday

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[July 22, 2011]  The National Weather Service in Lincoln says that more dangerous heat is on tap through the weekend.

An excessive heat warning is now in effect until 7 p.m. Sunday for the counties of Knox, Stark, Peoria, Marshall, Woodford, Fulton, Tazewell, McLean, Schuyler, Mason, Logan, DeWitt, Piatt, Champaign, Vermilion, Cass, Menard, Scott, Morgan, Sangamon, Christian, Macon, Moultrie, Douglas, Coles, Edgar, Shelby, Cumberland, Clark, Effingham, Jasper, Crawford, Clay, Richland and Lawrence, including the cities of Galesburg, Peoria, Bloomington, Normal, Havana, Lincoln, Champaign, Urbana, Danville, Jacksonville, Springfield, Taylorville, Decatur, Charleston, Mattoon, Shelbyville, Effingham, Flora and Lawrenceville.

Afternoon heat index values will continue to range from 105 to 115 degrees over the area, with air temperatures in the 90s and dew points in the mid- to upper 70s. Little relief is expected at night, as heat index values struggle to fall below 80. These conditions are expected to continue through Sunday afternoon, though some relief from the high heat and humidity could affect the Illinois River valley late Sunday with an approaching frontal boundary.

The impacts of heat stress are cumulative and increase each day the heat wave continues. Anyone spending time outdoors or involved in strenuous activity will be susceptible to serious and potentially life-threatening heat illnesses.

Precautionary and preparedness actions:

An excessive heat warning means that a prolonged period of dangerously hot weather will occur. The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will create a dangerous situation in which heat illnesses are likely for those outdoors or in locations without air conditioning.

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Take extra precautions to reduce risks during outdoor work. Reschedule outdoor activities to early morning or evening if possible. Drink plenty of water, even if you do not feel thirsty. Schedule frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas. Check up on relatives and neighbors, especially the elderly and those in poor health. Children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. In these weather conditions, car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.

Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool location. Heatstroke is a life-threatening medical emergency -- call 911.

___

Online:

For more information and updates:
http://www.crh.noaa.gov/ilx/

[Text from National Weather Service, Lincoln office]

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