MANCHESTER, NH — The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued an Excessive Heat Watch for Saturday morning July 20 through early evening Sunday July 21.
An Excessive Heat Watch is issued for areas most likely to see heat index values of 105 degrees or higher, which is expected for Saturday in the Greater Manchester region. While the beginning of it will arrive Friday, the worst of the heat and humidity will be on Saturday and could last into Sunday as well.
These conditions may pose a health danger to the public, especially young children, elderly adults, people who work outside, and those with chronic health conditions. In response, the Manchester City Library (405 Pine Street) will be extending its hours of operation for cooling purposes on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Additionally, other public places that are accessible by public transportation, such as the Mall of NH and local swimming pools, are locations toconsider for cooling purposes.
People tend to suffer heat-related illness when the body’s temperature control system is overloaded. Usually, the body cools itself by sweating, but in some cases sweating is not enough. When that happens, a person’s body temperature rises rapidly. Very high body temperatures can damage the brain and other vital organs.
Several factors affect the body’s ability to cool itself during extremely hot weather. When the humidity is high, sweat will not evaporate as quickly, preventing the body from releasing heat quickly. Other conditions that adversely affect temperature regulation include old age, obesity, fever, dehydration, heart disease, poor circulation, sunburn, and drug and alcohol abuse.
Please pay special attention to the most vulnerable, including the elderly who may not have air conditioning available, young children, and pets.
Click here for more on the inherent danger of extreme heat.
