WAFF Weather

Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke symptoms.

 
Treatment for heat exhaustion includes recognizing the symptoms and stopping the activity, and moving to a cooler environment.  Rehydration with water or a sports drink.  If vomiting prevents the affected person from drinking enough water intravenous fluids may be required.  Heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke. (Below)

 

 
Heat stroke is a form of hyperthermia, an abnormally elevated body temperature with accompanying physical symptoms including changes in the nervous system.  A heat stroke is a life threatening medical emergency that is often fatal if not properly and quickly treated.  Severe hyperthermia is defined as a core body temperature of 104 degrees or higher.  Those most at risk are Infants, The Elderly, Athletes and Individuals that work outside and physically exert themselves in the heat. 

Seek medical assistance if you suspect heat stroke.

Close, but no records...yet...

Yesterday's high at Muscle Shoals topped out at 100, but that was not a record.  We barely missed the record high of 101 set back in 1925.  Today, however, will be a little easier to tie or break the old record.  The record high for today is 98 set back in also in 1925.  We're forecasting 98 today there as well.  Huntsville's record is a little less atainable.  Yesterday's high of 97 was 4 degrees off the the record.  Today's record is 100 and with a forecast high of 97 we will likely come up just short again.  Even without setting records we remain well above our average highs this time of year, which are in the low 80s.  Expect a big change this weekend with much cooler air arriving by the beginning of next week.

 

Jeff Castle

WAFF 48 Storm Team