DUANE SHERRILLEditor

With heat index temperatures pushing into the triple digits this week as some areas are expected to hit 100 on the misery scale, precaution is being urged by the National Weather Service as heat advisories have been put out for the Tullahoma area.

The peak of the heat was expected Wednesday and it is hoped there may be some “slight” relief by the end of the week – with “slight” relief meaning heat indexes below triple digits. The high temperatures were and are predicted to stay in the double digits somewhere between 87 and 97 degrees in the mid-state; however, the humidity will make it feel like the triple digits. In West Tennessee it may feel like 115 today according to some forecasts. Nashville has already hit temps above 90 degrees on 26 consecutive days as of Monday, with that streak to continue this week.

With the oppressive and dangerous heat persisting, experts are urging people to use caution when out in the heat. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are a significant concern so the public is urged to drink plenty of fluids, especially water or sports drinks, even if you don’t feel thirsty and stay in air-conditioned areas as much as possible and take breaks from the sun and heat.

Experts also advise to wear lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing and avoid strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day (typically 10 am to 4 pm).

The community is urged to check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors and relatives who may be more susceptible to heat-related illnesses and are warned leave children or pets unattended in vehicles, as temperatures can rise rapidly to dangerous levels, even with windows slightly open.

As for heat illnesses, experts say:

“If you or someone you know shows symptoms of heat exhaustion (heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, fainting), move to a cooler location, loosen clothing, apply cool cloths or take a cool bath, and sip cool sports drinks or water. Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms worsen or persist or if vomiting occurs.

If symptoms of heat stroke (extremely high body temperature, red hot dry skin, rapid strong pulse, dizziness, confusion, unconsciousness) are present, call 911 or emergency medical services immediately, Delay can be fatal. Cool down with whatever methods are available until medical help arrives. Do not give fluids to a person with heatstroke.

As the area tries to stay cool, the TVA is suggesting sweltering consumers try to limit energy usage, both for the benefit of the power grid and for the bottom line when the next bill comes in the mail.

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) anticipates power demand to peak in the coming days, potentially surpassing last summer’s high.

To conserve energy and potentially lower bills, TVA recommends raising your thermostat a few degrees, cleaning HVAC filters, using ceiling fans (set to counterclockwise rotation to circulate cool air), grilling outdoors, and running appliances at night to reduce strain on your HVAC system.

For all those suffering through the unrelenting heat of summer, a cold front is expected to move through the area towards the end of the week, bringing cooler temperatures in the upper 70s and low 80s, along with increased chances of rain.