WASHINGTON -
The mid-Atlantic region endured another sweltering day, as officials are warning residents to limit their time outdoors and stay hydrated.
The National Weather Service said Thursday afternoon at the temperature at Reagan National Airport hit 99 degrees, breaking the record of 98 in 1988. At BWI Airport in Maryland, 1923's record 100 was tied Thursday. Georgetown, Del., reached a record-breaking 97 degrees.
A code orange air quality alert has also been issued. Children and adults with respiratory and heart ailments may experience health effects and should limit their time outside.
Temperatures are expected to begin dropping on Friday. (Story Continues Below)
Extreme Heat Preparedness and Protective Measures from DC.gov
During extreme heat conditions take the following precautions:
• Stay indoors as much as possible.
• Turn on the air-conditioner or fan.
• DO NOT leave children or pets in vehicles.
• Pay special attention to young children the elderly and the mentally ill.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Wear light-colored, lightweight and loose-fitting clothes.
• Apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before going outside (SPF 15-30 is best).
• Limit exposure to the sun (the sun is most powerful between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.).
• Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
• If you do not have access to a cool-temperature location, visit one of the District's cooled indoor facilities referred to above.
Also keep in mind that hot and humid conditions can cause many medical problems, such as heat stroke and exhaustion. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) consider heat stroke to be the most serious heat-related illness. According to CDC, "heat stroke occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature: the body's temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. When heat stroke occurs, the body temperature can rise to 106 degrees Fahrenheit or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not given."
Symptoms of heat stroke:
• Hot, dry skin (no sweating)
• Hallucinations
• Chills
• Throbbing headache
• High body temperature
• Confusion/dizziness
• Slurred speech
Groups at greatest risk for heat-related illness:
• Infants
• Children up to four years of age
• People 65 years of age and older
• People who are overweight
• People who are ill or on certain medications.
Groups at greatest risk should be monitored carefully, and their environments should be regulated. The CDC recommends that those at greatest risk be closely monitored and visited at least twice a day to view for possible signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Temperatures in the Northeast soared into the upper 90s Thursday for a second day as residents fled to pools and beaches, tourists reorganized their sightseeing itineraries and street vendors and store owners made a small fortune selling bottled water and other cold drinks.
New York's Central Park was forecast to reach a record 98 degrees. Boston, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., will see similar heat with temperatures inching into the upper 90s and low 100s. The official first day of summer Wednesday set records from New York City to Burlington, Vt.
In the nation's capital on Thursday, a bit of resourcefulness has helped at least some tourists hit all the hotspots despite the scorching heat.
Nolan Shoffner, 36, who was vacationing with his parents and 10-year-old son, Parker, said the family had rearranged some of their plans to visit outdoor sites like the White House and Capitol in the morning, while saving cool, indoor museums for the afternoon.
"There's not a lot of places you can hide," Shoffner said as he stood outside the U.S. Capitol.
Also feeling the heat was Bashir Saleh, a Times Square food vendor.
"I'm exhausted," said Saleh, a native of Afghanistan who'd been working already eight hours as the heat rose near his propane-gas fueled coffee maker.
But the heat is worth it, he said, noting he makes more money selling iced coffee and other drinks on hot days.
Sporting a visor with an American flag, Saleh, who'd fled war in his native land, said that even when he's sweating to earn a living, "I think, God bless America. For a few days, I can sacrifice."
Unlike Saleh, business at The Lil Pop Shop, an artisan popsicle store in Philadelphia, was slow at midday despite a healthy supply of frozen treats.
Owner Jeanne Chang said she expects the crowd to come after the sun goes down, as a swarm of customers did on Wednesday night after a similarly brutal day.
In Boston, even as temperatures soared into the 90s, many took the heat in stride.
At the city's Franklin Park Zoo, gorillas sucked on ice treats and ostriches waded through spray mists in an effort to keep cool.
Spokeswoman Brooke Wardrop said the 100-year-old zoo routinely takes weather precautions with its animals.
Outside the city many flocked to area beaches to enjoy the rare stretch of heat.
Dave Remillard, 50, went to Wollaston Beach in Quincy, just south of Boston but chose sunbathing over swimming, he said, because the water was too cold.
"I hope we have a hot summer. We haven't had one in a while," he said, sipping a large cup of iced coffee.
In New Jersey, forecasters say temperatures could combine with humidity to make it feel like 110 degrees in parts of the state. Thermometers might not drop below 80 until the wee hours of Friday morning.
"American Idol" hopefuls in Newark got a bit of a break from the heat Thursday morning when they were ushered inside the Prudential Center to register to audition.
In preparation for the sweltering weather, golf course officials at the Travelers Championship in Connecticut had IVs ready to go at a medical tent where dozens were treated for heat exhaustion Wednesday.
Emergency medical services director John Quinlavin said people need to drink more water at the stations set up around the course. Forecasts for the area call for temperatures just short of 100 degrees.
"People are coming in dizzy, a little nausea, vomiting, generally poor feeling overall," he said. "We generally have a more mature audience here, and we do see a lot of the elderly having some problems with the heat."
Across the northeast, public health officials warned residents to not leave pets or children in vehicles as temperatures can quickly escalate and lead to heat stroke and death.
Two dogs left in a hot pickup truck in western Massachusetts died as a result of the heat Wednesday afternoon.
Erika Mueller, a co-owner of South Deerfield Emergency Veterinary Hospital, said the well-meaning dog owner left the animals in the truck with a window open and a supply of water, but the temperatures can surpass 100 in a vehicle.
On Wednesday, at least 66 weather stations across the nation broke or tied high temperature records, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
But, NOAA forecaster Dave Unger said the east coast will soon get a relief from the extreme heat as a low pressure system and possible coastal storms are expected to lower temperatures heading into the weekend.
He said extreme temperatures are likely this summer, with the administration's forecast through September calling for hotter than normal temperatures for every continental state, except for New England.
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By SHANNON YOUNG Associated Press
Contributing to this report were Associated Press writers Pat Eaton-Robb in Cromwell, Conn., Jessica Gresko and Science Writer Seth Borenstein in Washington DC, Karen Matthews and Verena Dobnik in New York City, Mark Pratt in Boston, Denise Lavoie in Quincy, Mass., Erika Niedowski in Providence, R.I., Kathy Matheson in Philadelphia and David Porter in Newark.
During hot weather and extreme heat this summer, keep informed by listening to local weather and news channels, use common sense and take a minute to review the tips below. Montgomery County offers these tips for staying safe in the heat at montgomerycountymd.gov.
Hot Weather Tips
1. Pre-hydrate, hydrate and re-hydrate.
During hot weather you will need to increase your fluid intake, regardless of your activity level. Drink plenty of fluids in advance, during and after activities and don't wait until you're thirsty to hydrate. Warning: If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluids you drink or has prescribed water pills, ask how much you should drink when the weather is hot.
2. Dress for the heat.
Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect some of the sun's energy. Limit your direct exposure to the sun and wear a hat for extra protection.
3. Monitor those at high risk.
Extreme heat can be hazardous to your health and although anyone can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others. Those most at risk for heat-related illnesses include children, older adults, those that work or exercise outside and those with pre-existing medical conditions.
4. Children and cars - use common sense.
Never leave infants, children, pets or the elderly in a parked car where temperatures can become life-threatening in minutes, even with the windows rolled down. Additionally, hot interior surfaces of a car can burn a child's skin. Before you put your child in a car that has been parked in a warm/sunny spot, check the temperature of the carseat or upholstery first.
5. Avoid strenuous activity.
When possible, strenuous activities should be reduced, eliminated or rescheduled to the coolest part of the day. Take regular breaks when exercising or engaged in physical activity on warm days. If you recognize that you, or someone else, is showing signs of a heat-related illness, stop the activity immediately, find a cool place to rest, hydrate and seek medical attention if necessary.
Remember, heat stroke is a MEDICAL EMERGENCY that can be fatal if not treated promptly. The American Red Cross advises that warning signs can vary among individuals but common signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke may include:
Heat Exhaustion:
- Heavy sweating
- Muscle cramps
- Pulse rate: fast and weak
- Breathing: fast and shallow
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Headache and/or dizziness
Heat Stroke:
- An extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees)
- The absence of sweating
- Rapid pulse
- Difficulty breathing
- Throbbing headache
- Strange behavior and/or hallucinations
- Confusion, agitation and disorientation
- Unconscious
6. Be a good neighbor.
Isolated, elderly adults are at a much higher risk of health-related issues. Be a good neighbor and take a minute to check in with your neighbors.
7. Remember your pets.
Hot weather can affect the well-being of pets making them susceptible to overheating which can lead to very dangerous heat stroke. Always provide a source of water and a cool, ventilated place for your pet. Leaving your pet inside a parked car, even for a few minutes, can be fatal. The inside of a car can reach 120 degrees in a matter of minutes.
8. Stay indoors, if possible.
Stay indoors and, if possible, in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, consider going to the shopping mall, community center or public library. Even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you return to the heat.
