Crime & Safety
Excessive Heat Watch Issued for Evergreen Park
The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat watch and a heat advisory for Evergreen Park and other towns in the Chicago area. There's also a slight chance of thunderstorms.
Brace yourselves. We're in for excessively hot weather that will break the 100-degree threshold through the end of the week.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued an excessive heat watch and a heat advisory for the Chicago area Through Thursday evening. The heat advisory is through 7 a.m. Wednesday, while the excessive heat watch remains in effect through Thursday evening.
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On Wednesday and Thursday, temperatures are expected to reach or surpass 100 degrees with a low near 80 degrees. Heat indices are likely to peak near 105 degrees and may reach 110 on Thursday.
There's also a 30 percent chance that thunderstorms may make their way into the area late Wednesday and possibly into Thursday, according to the NWS. "If this does not occur, then an excessive heat warning would likely be needed Thursday and Friday," said the NWS.
Find out what's happening in Evergreen Parkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The National Weather Service suggests residents take the following precautionary actions:
- If you work or spend time outside, when possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening.
- Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
- Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible
- Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water.
- Stay out of the sun
- Check up on relatives and neighbors
- Don't leave children and pets unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.
To reduce the risk of heat-related conditions, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration suggests scheduling frequent rest breaks in air-conditioned or shaded areas. If anyone is overcome by heat, they should be moved to a cool and shaded area. If someone falls to heat stroke, call 9-1-1.
Know the Terms:
A heat advisory means that a period of hot weather is expected.
An excessive heat watch means that a prolonged period of hot temperatures is expected.
The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity may combine to create dangerous situations in which heat illnesses may occur.
Know these heat disorder symptoms (and how to treat them):
- SUNBURN: Redness and pain. In severe cases swelling of skin, blisters, fever, headaches. First aid: Ointments for mild cases if blisters appear and do not break. If breaking occurs, apply dry sterile dressing. Serious, extensive cases should be seen by physician.
- HEAT CRAMPS: Painful spasms usually in muscles of legs and abdomen possible. Heavy sweating. First aid: Firm pressure on cramping muscles, or gentle massage to relieve spasm. Give sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue use.
- HEAT EXHAUSTION: Heavy sweating, weakness, skin cold, pale and clammy. Pulse thready. Normal temperature possible. Fainting and vomiting. First aid: Get victim out of sun. Lay down and loosen clothing. Apply cool, wet cloths. Fan or move victim to air conditioned room. Sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue use. If vomiting continues, seek immediate medical attention.
- HEAT STROKE (or sunstroke): High body temperature (106 degrees or higher). Hot dry skin. Rapid and strong pulse. Possible unconsciousness. First aid: Move the victim to a cooler environment. Reduce body temperature with cold bath or sponging. Use extreme caution. Remove clothing, use fans and air conditioners. If temperature rises again, repeat process. Do not give fluids. Persons on salt restrictive diets should consult a physician before increasing their salt intake.
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