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An Excessive Heat Warning in effect now has been extended until 9 p.m. Wednesday, July 20 for West Tennessee, according to the National Weather Service in Memphis. Originally, the Excessive Heat Warning was scheduled to end at 7 p.m. Wednesday.
Dangerously hot conditions with heat index values above 115 are expected.
Portions of West Tennessee, North Mississippi and East Arkansas will be affected by the heat.
The following West Tennessee counties are in the warning: Benton, Carroll, Chester, Crockett, Decatur, Dyer, Gibson, Haywood, Henderson, Henry, Lake, Lauderdale, Madison, Obion, Tipton and Weakley.
A Heat Advisory will be in effect for Fayette, Hardeman, Hardin, McNairy and Shelby counties from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. Thursday, July 21. Heat index values up to 110 are expected Thursday.
Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities.
Precautionary/preparedness actions…
Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.
Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the occupational safety and health administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments.
Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.
HEAT STROKE IS AN EMERGENCY! CALL 9 1 1.
Criteria for an Excessive Heat Warning is a heat index of 105 °F or greater that will last for 2 hours or more. Excessive Heat Warnings are issued by county when any location within that county is expected to reach criteria. For example: If you expected the heat index to reach 105°F in the city of Elmira, an Excessive Heat Warning would be issued for that zone.
A heat warning means that some people can be seriously affected by heat if precautions are not taken. Studies in Canada, Europe, and the U.S. have indicated that mortality begins to increase exponentially as the heat increases or stays above a heat index of 104°F. Note: This threshold will be a rare event in our CWA. Even the warm summer of 2005, would not have produced a heat warning.
In addition to raising public awareness, the issuance of a heat warning will alert hospitals and officials to take certain actions to prepare and respond to an increase in emergency calls, and activate programs to check on elderly and the home-bound. In some cases cooling centers can be open or designated and donation programs activated for fans and air conditioners. As in the case of an advisory, certain regulations may change such as turning off people’s electricity, evictions, and outside work requirements.
Our severe weather coverage is sponsored by Lindsey Electric, your Generac generator dealer in Jackson. Call 731-423-1580, or visit Lindsey Electric Service dot com. Lindsey Electric – The authority for your power solutions.