Community Corner

Prepare to Sweat: Sandy Springs Temp Expected to Reach 106

Last year's official hottest day for Atlanta was 99 on Aug. 26.

 

If you thought last summer was a hot one, well get a load of what’s expected this weekend.

Sandy Springs temp is expected to climb to 106 today and Saturday. 

Find out what's happening in Sandy Springswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

We may be used to stifling heat mixed into our summers, but this is ridiculous. 

Last year’s official hottest day for Atlanta was 99 on Aug. 26 (Weather Underground says it was 100 on Aug. 3 at Peachtree-DeKalb Airport, however). Mellish wrote that the last time Atlanta officially reached triple digits was in August 2007, when we had nine days over 100.

Find out what's happening in Sandy Springswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

And to make matters worse, the same high-pressure ridge that will keep us hot under the collar also will prevent Tropical Storm Debby from bringing us beneficial rain.

So here are some tips on how to stay cool:

  • Always wear light-weight clothing that has plenty of ventilation - the fabric should "breathe." Stay well hydrated; always ensure you consume an abundance of liquids in the summer.
  • Exercise or schedule other strenuous activities when the heat and humidity are lowest, usually early morning and late evenings.
  • Rest in cool, shady places frequently. If you're hot, go cool down - get indoors, drink cool liquids, enjoy the air conditioning for a few minutes, or take a cold shower.
  • Eat light, heart-healthy foods to replace minerals and nutrients that may be lost. Give your heart a little extra break during the summer months with a healthy diet.
  • Watch out for those at greatest risk such as very young children, the elderly, persons who may have health conditions. Certain medications may put you at greater risk of heat-related illnesses so be aware of how medications may interact with the heat.

When spending any time outside during periods of extreme heat and humidity, residents should also be on the lookout for these potential risk factors:

Dehydration - Dehydration occurs when more water leaves the body that you put back in. Stay well hydrated throughout the day and drink extra fluids when exercising or simply being outdoors on hot days.

Heat exhaustion - Symptoms may include: headaches, weak pulse, rapid pulse, excessive sweating, dizziness, and in some instances fainting, clammy skin, chills, cold, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps or very fast or very shallow breathing. If you suspect you have heat exhaustion, take action immediately to cool down. If possible, immerse yourself in cool water.

Heat stroke - Unlike heat exhaustion, victims of heat stroke have warm skin that is dry to the touch because they've sweated out all their extra water leaving the body's natural cooling system without a key cool-down mechanism. High fever, severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, and a strong, rapid pulse all accompany heat stroke. Victims may become confused and can lose consciousness. Heat stroke is a very serious condition. Cool the victim and seek immediate medical assistance.

See here for tips on how to keep pets safe in hot weather

And see here for gardening hot weather tips

Where are you trying to stay cool this weekend?

- Dan Campana contributed to this story

 


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