Dangerous heat anticipated        

[JULY 21, 2005]  Dangerously hot conditions -- potentially the hottest weather in the past 10 years -- are anticipated late this week into early next week.

After a 20 percent to 30 percent chance for scattered thunderstorms Thursday into Thursday evening, hot and humid conditions will increase in intensity by Friday.

The forecast for Friday through Monday is as follows:

Friday -- Highs around 92 in southeast Illinois, 97 west of Interstate 55; heat index 98 to 103

Friday night -- Lows in the lower 70s

Saturday -- Highs 94 to 97; heat index 100 to 105

Saturday night -- Lows 71 to 75

Sunday -- Highs 98 to 100; heat index 105 to 110

Sunday night -- Lows 73 to 75

Monday -- Highs 97 to 100; heat index 103 to 110

Monday night -- Lows 72 to 74

The heat and humidity will create heat index values (as listed above) that could cause heat exhaustion, and possibly life-threatening heat stroke, in:

• Urban areas, housing complexes
• Residents without air conditioning
• People participating in or attending sports events or outdoor fairs
• Anyone who spends time outdoors without proper hydration
• Elderly people, infants, people with health-related problems
• Animals kept outdoors, livestock

In addition, the drought conditions in many locations will combine with the high heat to produce an increased fire hazard.

If you have a facility to offer as a cooling center or are in need of a place to stay cool, you may contact the ESDA/LCEMA office at [phone].

[News release with information from the National Weather Service and Logan County Emergency Management Agency]