Stormtrack Weather First Alert: Extreme Heat Continues
Extreme heat remained in the borderland Monday, making for potentially dangerous weather conditions.
The forecast called for high temperatures around 105 to 107 degrees, with lows in the mid 70s.
Monday marked the 18th day of 100+ degree high temperatures in El Paso. The yearly average is 14.
Sunday’s high hit 108 degrees, becoming the hottest temperature so far this year in El Paso.
Chief Meteorologist “Doppler” Dave Speelman issued a StormTRACK Weather First Alert Thursday ahead of extreme heat. “Doppler” Dave advised borderland residents to be on the lookout for heat exhaustion and drink plenty of water.
The National Weather Service also issued a Heat Advisory, which is set to expire Tuesday at 6 a.m.
Residents looking to avoid the heat may go to any city or county building in El Paso, including libraries, as they have been designated “cooling stations.”
Health and Safety Tips:
The most serious issue is heat stroke. That happens when your body temperature reaches 104 degrees. It can even be triggered by high environmental temperatures, like sitting in a hot car or apartment for too long. Strenuous physical activity or wearing too many articles of clothing, or clothes that don’t allow your sweat to easily evaporate can also contribute to heat stroke.
Heat stroke symptoms often include: Lack of sweating Flushed skin Rapid breathing or heart rate Headache, seizures, loss of consciousness or difficulty speaking Muscle cramps Weakness
Avoid it by drinking fluids containing electrolytes, like Gatorade or other sports drinks, getting into an air-conditioned area, or taking a cool shower or bath.
Heatstroke can lead to brain damage, organ failure or even death, and requires immediate medical attention.
Medical experts advise people to check on elderly family members or neighbors this summer to make sure they’re staying cool.
Hot cars can also kill small children in the summer heat. Leaving a child in the car, even for a short time, can be extremely hazardous.
“It’s dangerous. It’s illegal, and it’s potentially deadly. It seems really like a no-brainer, but it happens. Last year in Texas we had 13 hot car deaths, one of those happened here in Socorro,” said Department of Family and Protective Services spokesperson Paul Zimmerman,
If you see a child locked in a car, call 911 immediately.
For more heat safety tips, visit the Center For Disease Control website.
Extreme Heat Pet Safety Tips:
Pets are even more susceptible to extreme heat and leaving them in a car for even just a few minutes can cause serious health issues for your pet.
“The inside of a car can heat up to over 120 degrees in seconds, and parking that car under the shade is not the answer in the heat. Never ever ever leave a pet in the car during the summer,” said Humane Society spokeswoman Betty Hoover.
If you have an outdoor pet, the Humane Society recommends making sure the pet is not chained up, always has access to shade — not including a doghouse, which can act like an oven — and plenty of water.
Those experts also warn that dogs can knock over water bowls easily, so using a kiddie pool instead is recommended.
If your dog is showing signs of heatstroke, call your vet immediately. While you are waiting for treatment, lower the animals’ body temperature by applying towels soaked in cool water to the belly and back area. Even if the dog responds to treatment, veterinary care is still recommended.
For more heat safety tips for your pets, visit this link.
Remember, heat is the number one weather-related killer in the U.S. and June is El Paso’s hottest month. For more information on the dangers of heat during the monsoon season, click on this link.
