COLUMBUS, Ohio – The hottest week of the year in central Ohio has barely begun.
A broad heat advisory from the National Weather Service will be in effect for Ohio and much of the eastern part of the nation where the heat index value is expected to reach nearly 100 degrees every day at least until Saturday.
The combination of heat and humidity raises concerns about safety. Doctors warn that anytime the relative humidity exceeds 60 percent, we are vulnerable to heat-related illness.
“That’s the humidity when you’re going to sweat and it just isn’t going to cool you off. In other words, you’re going to sweat greater than the air can absorb it,” Dr. Tom Tallman with the Cleveland Clinic said.
If you feel like the hot weather is getting the best of you, cool off with some water and get in the shade, Tallman said.
Federal officials are sharing stories of heat-related deaths to raise awareness of the risks of working outside during hot, humid days.
“Heat is a silent killer. Unlike such hazards as damaging winds or flooding, many people often don’t realize they are in trouble until they need medical assistance,” said Dr. Louis Uccellini, director of the National Weather Service.
The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration says most outdoor workers who die because of heat stress are in their first week of a new job and have not had time to adjust to the conditions.
Officials across are preparing to help those in need in the extreme heat. The Area Office on Aging in Northwestern Ohio is reaching out to older adults by opening up Emergency Cooling Centers.
The organization is reminding older adults to spend time in air-conditioned placed such as libraries, malls and senior centers.