WASHINGTON -
The Washington area has broken a record high temperature set almost 80 years ago.
The National Weather Service says that just before 3 p.m., it was 104 degrees at Reagan National Airport just outside the city. That beats the record of 101 set in 1934.
Baltimore was also experiencing temperatures in the 100s. It was 102 at Baltimore Washington International Airport around 3 p.m. That was shy of the record of 105 set in 1934.
Officials are urging residents to drink plenty of fluids, stay indoors when possible and wear light colored and loose-fitting clothing. In Baltimore, the mayor extended the hours of city pools by an hour to help residents keep cool.
Temperatures in the Mid-Atlantic region are expected to be around 100 at least through the weekend.
Metro customers will be permitted to carry and consume water on the system Thursday afternoon through Monday due to the heat.
Extreme Heat Tips from the DC Government | dc.gov
With current temperatures escalating and heat indexes expected to reach 100 to 105 degrees, the DC Department of Health (DOH) reminds residents of the importance of staying healthy in the heat during this period of high temperatures. Residents should be reminded that these hot and humid conditions can cause many medical problems such as heat exhaustion and stroke; therefore residents are advised to take caution when outdoors in the extreme heat. Below are tips on how residents can stay healthy in the heat.
DOH Tips for Staying Healthy and Cool in the Heat:
~Drink plenty of water
~Stay out of the sun
~Avoid drinks with caffeine, alcohol, and large amounts of sugar
~Wear clothing that is loose-fitting, light colored and breathable, such as cotton
~Dress infants and children in cool, loose clothing and shade their heads and faces with hats or an umbrella
~Limit sun exposure during mid-day hours and in places of potential severe exposure such as beaches
~Wear sunscreen
~Schedule outdoor activities carefully
~Do not leave infants, children, or pets in a parked car
~Provide plenty of fresh water for your pets, and leave the water in a shady area
~If you do not have access to a cool-temperature location, visit the District recreation center, library, or senior center closest to you
During this heat wave, it is important for residents to recognize the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and stroke, as well as be aware of the various ways to avoid these heat-related illnesses.
Heat stroke is a serious illness characterized by a body temperature greater than 105 degrees. Symptoms may include dry red skin, convulsions, throbbing headaches, disorientation, chills, delirium and coma. Onset of heatstroke can be rapid: a person can go from feeling apparently well to a seriously ill condition within minutes. Treatment of heatstroke involves the rapid lowering of body temperature, using a cool bath or wet towels. This is a true medical emergency, call 911.
Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heatstroke that may develop due to a combination of several days with high temperatures and dehydration in an individual. Signs of heat exhaustion include extreme weakness, muscle cramps, nausea, or headache, heavy sweating, paleness and dizziness. Heat exhaustion is treated with plenty of liquids and rest in a cool, shaded area. Those on a low-sodium diet or with other health problems should contact a doctor.
Residents should also keep a close watch on children and pets as temperatures heat-up and heat indexes reach triple digits.
Tips to Avoid Leaving Children and Pets in Parked Cars
~Never leave infants, children or pets in a parked car, even if the windows are cracked open.
~To remind yourself that a child is in the car, keep a stuffed animal in the car seat. When the child is buckled in, place the stuffed animal in the front with the driver.
~When leaving your car, check to be sure everyone is out of the car. Do not overlook any children who have fallen asleep in the car.
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 adults at greatest risk be closely monitored and visited at least twice a day to view for possible signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Infants and young children should also be closely monitored.
If you suspect that you or someone you know is experiencing a heat related illness, please call 911.
For more information on heat-related illness prevention, visit http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heat_guide.asp.
