By Stephen Smoot
Forecasters have predicted that a new southerly weather pattern will bring excessive and dangerous heat to areas already suffering greatly from drought, including most of Pendleton County east of Allegheny Mountain.
According to the National Weather Service, “a southerly flow will bring a hot and humid air mass into the region.” At the time of this writing, the warning covers a period of time from this afternoon through early tomorrow evening. In most of Pendleton County and elsewhere in the Potomac Highlands, “heat index values of 100 to 105 are likely.” Areas east of the Blue Ridge Mountains may see indices up to 110 degrees Fahrenheit.
Maps current as of Monday indicate that Franklin will see heat indices that reach the level of “extreme caution.” Lower elevations in areas north of Upper Tract and downstream from Fort Seybert may see pockets categorized by the National Weather Service as “Danger.”
“The heat index, also known as the apparent temperature, is what the temperature feels like to the human body when relative humidity is combined with the air temperature,” the National Weather Service states on its website.
NWS heat index charts actually reflect shade conditions. As its website says, “if you are exposed to direct sunlight, the heat index value can be increased by up to 15 degrees F.”
The warning issued last Monday, and shared with Pendleton County officials by Bruce Minor, adds that “an increased risk of heat-related illnesses, particularly those with lengthy exposure to the outdoors during the hottest portions of the day” will accompany the rising temperatures.
Conditions get dangerous when high relative humidity paired with heat interfere with the human body’s ability to regulate its internal temperatures. In hot conditions, the body sweats. Evaporation of sweat cools the body, but that process cannot happen when the air’s humidity reaches a level in which evaporation cannot take place.
The Centers for Disease Control report that sometimes “a person’s body temperature rises faster than it can cool itself down. This can cause damage to the brain and other vital organs.”
A number of risk factors, according to the CDC, can increase one’s risk of developing a heat related condition. These include obesity, a fever already in place, dehydration, use of certain prescription drugs, heart disease, mental illness, poor circulation, sunburn, and alcohol use.
Alcohol use can have particularly dangerous effects due to the fact that it is a diuretic – in other words it causes the body to produce more urine. An Australian Broadcasting Company article asserts that drinking 6.73 ounces of a typical beer will cause the body to excrete 10.82 ounces of urine (amounts converted from metric measurements).
Combined with excessive heat and humidity then, even an ice cold beer can create dangerous conditions in the body.
Excessive heat can affect both older adults and younger children more adversely than others. Infants and children cannot always articulate their problems when affected by dangerously hot conditions.
Seniors also have a reduced capability to adjust to sudden changes in temperature. Many also could have a chronic medical condition or take prescription drugs that make them more vulnerable.
The CDC recommends to “not rely on a fan as your main cooling source when it’s really hot outside.” It advises to “Drink more water than normal and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.” Avoid using the stove or oven to cook, wear loose, lightweight, and light colored clothing, take cool showers or baths to lower body temperature, and make plans with neighbors and friends to stay in touch with each other throughout the heat event.
And, of course, those of all ages and health conditions should refrain from engaging in strenuous physical activity in the heat if possible.
In other heat related news, the federal drought monitor system now categorizes the South Branch River in Franklin as being in a “low” streamflow condition, the most extreme category. The South Fork remains in the category of “much below” normal conditions.
The site also predicts that though drought conditions will persist through the next month, that they will improve by the end of the summer season.
Cutline (3 graphics…Stephen suggested stacking them on top of each other….your choice)
With heat indices approaching and breaking 100°F in most of the region, as seen in the maps, these National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration charts illustrate the danger residents will likely face today and Friday.