Stay Cool, Take Care, and Be a Good Neighbor

Today is expected to be the hottest day of the summer so far so it’s important to stay cool and hydrated, and to check in on friends, family and neighbors to make sure they do the same.

At 9 a.m. this morning, it was already 87 degrees – with a heat index of 94 degrees -- in Medfield, and the National Weather Service expects temps to reach at least 99 degrees in town.

There is an excessive heat warning and air quality alert in effect from noon to 7 p.m. today for Norfolk County (and most of New England).

The NWS says that heat index values are expected up to 110 degrees due to temperatures ranging in the upper 90s to 100 degrees, and says 

“An excessive heat warning means that…the combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a dangerous situation in which heat illnesses are likely.”

They advise people to take extra precautions, wear light-weight and loose-fitting clothing, drink plenty of water (avoid alcohol which dehydrates), reschedule strenuous activities when possible, and to know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. 

NOTE: Heat stroke is an emergency and 911 should be called. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.

SIGNS OF HEAT EXHAUSTION AND HEAT STROKE  

Heat exhaustion:

• Pale with cool, moist skin or hot, dry skin
• Profuse sweating
• Muscle cramps
• Dizziness
• Elevated body temperature of 100 degrees and increased pulse rate
• Decreased energy
• Headache
• Loss of appetite, nausea

Heat stroke:

• Unconsciousness or abnormal mental status such as dizziness, confusion, hallucinations, etc.
• Flushed, hot, dry skin or cold clammy skin
• Rapid, strong pulse
• Trouble breathing
• Elevated body temperature of 105 degrees or more
• Weakness

The future weather forecast calls for patchy fog tonight with a low of 74 degrees, high of 92 degrees with heavy rain on Saturday, then in the 80s on Sunday and early next week.

TELL US: Is it possible to stay cool in this weather? If so, how are you doing it? Share your advice in the comment box below.