Excessive Heat Watch Issued as Scorching Hot Weekend Looms
Heat indices could reach up to 115 degrees in some areas
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Tornadoes and excessive heat are dominating the weather landscape, and NBC 5’s Brant Miller has the latest forecast after a wild day of weather.
Another round of sweltering temperatures are forecasted for this weekend, and the National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Watch for the Chicagoland area.
The watch will take effect on Friday morning and will continue through Saturday night.
McHenry, Lake, DeKalb, Kane, DuPage, Cook, LaSalle, Kendall, Grundy, Will, and Kankakee counties are all impacted by the watch in Illinois. Lake, Porter, Newton, and Jasper counties are all under the watch in northwest Indiana.
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"Do not leave your pet in a parked car. A parked car quickly becomes dangerously hot, even with the windows left partly opened. When outside temperatures are in the 90’s, after just 10 minutes, your car can be 114 degrees. At these temperatures, your pet can suffer irreversible organ damage or die."
NBC 5
"Be aware of the humidity. When the humidity is high, dogs have a harder time cooling themselves, leading to overheating with their internal temperatures skyrocketing quickly. A dog’s temperature should not be over 104 degrees. To cool a dog down, offer an ice pack or wet towel for them to lay on. Add ice cubes to their water dish, or if available, a wading pool with shallow, cool water for them to get into."
Joseph Kaczmarek
"Limit outdoor activities and exercise on hot days. Adjust the duration and type of activity you do with your dog on hot days. Extended periods of time in the heat can lead to heat stroke and death. Morning and evening hours (before the sun comes up or after the sun goes down) are ideal. Be mindful when walking on asphalt as it gets hot and can burn your dog’s paws, so walk on grass when possible. Always carry water to help keep your pet hydrated."
"Provide shade and water. When you’re outside, be sure your pet has protection from heat and sun. Add ice to water when possible to keep it cold. Find shade under trees where airflow is constant. Indoor cats can get overheated as well, so remember to provide adequate water for all animals. If you are thirsty, they will be too."
NBCPhiladelphia.com
"Know the signs of heat stroke. Symptoms include: difficulty breathing or sudden rapid breath, a blank or anxious stare, abnormally red gums and tongue, disorientation or sudden collapse. If your pet is overheated, take action immediately. Immerse your pet with cool (not cold or ice) water to lower their body temperature while taking your pet immediately to a veterinarian. Even if it seems your pet has recovered, it is necessary to check for internal damage."
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"If you see something, say something. If you believe a pet is being neglected by a lack of adequate shelter and water in the heat, call The Anti-Cruelty Society’s Humane Investigation team at 312-645-8090. For more information on signs of abuse and neglect, visit www.anticruelty.org."
According to the National Weather Service, heat indices could reach as high as 115 degrees in the impacted area, with high temperatures and oppressive humidity combining to make for a dangerous situation for those with pre-existing health conditions.
Chicago residents can call 311 for well-being checks on loved ones or friends during the watch, according to NWS.
