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.
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Online:
For more information and updates:
http://www.crh.noaa.gov/ilx/
[Text from National Weather Service,
Lincoln office]
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