Wednesday, July 20, 2011
 
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Oppressive heat and humidity to persist this week

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[July 20, 2011]  The National Weather Service in Lincoln says that a major heat wave will continue into this weekend.

An excessive heat warning remains in effect until 7 p.m. Saturday 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.

The combination of afternoon temperatures sizzling in the mid- to upper 90s and tropical dew points in the mid 70s to around 80 degrees will produce dangerous heat index values of 110 to 115 degrees during the afternoon and early evening each day.

The impacts of heat stress are cumulative, increasing each day the heat lasts. This heat wave will be about a week long. Anyone spending significant amounts of 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. 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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