Temperatures rising through Memorial Day Weekend

Published 5:49 pm Tuesday, May 21, 2019

Throughout the week and heading into Memorial Day temperatures are expected to reach the upper 90s, with heat indexes into the triple digits.

“Through next Tuesday, we are expecting to see an increasing heat wave and there is no rain to be expected,” said Peachtree City National Weather Service meteorologist Brian Lynn.

School is out, summer is here and Memorial Day activities are planned. LaGrange and Troup County residents are urged to take precaution when going outside or out on the water.

“With the standard weekend outdoor activities coming, people need to take standard precautions, such as drinking enough water, wearing light clothing ensuring not to be out in the sun for long periods of time,” Lynn said. “During Memorial Day, people are usually in lots of parks or campgrounds, so take advantage of the shade in those areas. Additionally, if you start to get tired from the heat take a rest and make sure elderly people are OK and looked after.”

The National Weather Service has posted safety tips on its website that help prevent heat-related deaths and help individuals protect themselves, loved ones and pets from the impacts of heat waves.

According to the CDC, a heat stroke occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature: the body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails and the body is unable to cool down. Body temperature may rise to 106°F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided.

Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illnesses that has symptoms such as muscle cramps, paleness, moist and cool skin, fast then weak pulse and heavy sweating that occurs when there is an insufficient or unbalanced amount of fluids in the body, according to the CDC.

Lynn said Troup County can expect more high temperatures because of the high pressure in the atmosphere.

“It is the longest time of the day now and we are at the time where the sun is at the peak, so the temperatures are going to get high,” Lynn said. “Humidity will stay low and no rain potential is there.”

No rain is currently forecasted for the next week.