El Paso sees first day of a triple-digit temperature stretch
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- El Paso remains under an ABC-7 First Alert for triple-digit temperatures ABC-7's StormTrack Weather Team is tracking throughout this week.
The borderland is no stranger to the summer heat, with some playgrounds the one at Crestmont Park having covers over them to limit sun exposure.
Earlier today one El Pasoan in the area told ABC-7 about his experience living in the Borderland for years and dealing with the heat.
Willie Newberry has lived in El Paso for the last 47 years. He's experienced heat exhaustion before.
"I was working out inside. And the heat kind of overwhelmed me a little bit, and I got dizzy. So therefore, I went back to the house and setting the tone. You know, kind of went away like that."
Not once, but twice!
"I had no water with me, so, I start sweating a lot and i kind of got dizzy then, too, so I knew I had to stop, so I stopped. Got to sat while I cooled off. I walked back to where I was going, back to my destination," said Willie about his second experience.
For anyone spending time outside when temperatures pass 100 degrees, willie says --- don't! He has simple tips to stay cool.
"I stay in the pool or stay in the house, and the air conditioning. I try to prevent being out here in the heat."
With temperatures expected to continue to climb this week, it's important to protect yourself from the sun, take cover when you can and stay hydrated.
Heat exhaustion can set in within 30 minutes of direct sun exposure at these temperatures and symptoms can including dizziness, nausea and heavy sweating.
Heat stroke is when the body stops sweating and internal temperature hits 104° F or higher. It becomes a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate medical attention.
The elderly, young children, outdoor workers and people without functioning air conditioning are at the highest risk during this first triple-digit stretch.
Overnight lows in El Paso are only dropping to the mid-70s. That means there's little relief for homes without air conditioning, leaving heat stress to accumulate around the clock.
The city could activate cooling centers if we reach triple digit temps today. Extended activation to keep cooling centers open later and open on Sundays will not be triggered unless there's three consecutive days at or above 103° F.
