The National Weather Service forecast through Sunday says highs will be in the mid- to upper-90s. Saturday's forecast simply says "Hot."

National Weather Service Forecast July 21-28
National Weather Service Forecast July 21-28
loading...

Add in that good ol' Louisiana humidity and it pushes the heat index to somewhere between 105 and 115, making it feel like you've been wrapped from head to toe in a big, wet, steamy blanket the minute you walk out the door.

NWS Heat Index Chart
NWS Heat Index Chart
loading...

A late afternoon shower is a possibility, and it can be good news because it brings with it a nice, cool (I use that as a relative term) breeze. However, those are few and far between, and you have to be in just the right spot to be fortunate enough to reap its benefits.

Louisiana is not alone in suffering from stifling heat. A map on the National Weather Service's Facebook page earlier this week indicated that 650,000 Americans were under a Heat Warning and 19-million were under a Heat Advisory.

High temperatures are dangerous, and the National Weather Service has launched the "Beat The Heat" campaign to educate the public on ways to prevent heat-related illness and deaths. We in south Louisiana are familiar with many of these reminders, but they bear repeating often so that we stay safe.

  • Drink plenty of water if you must be working or doing any sort of outdoor activity
  • Take frequent breaks if you must be outside for any length of time
  • NEVER leave a child or pet inside a car
  • Wear sunscreen
NWS Beat the Heat Campaign
NWS Beat the Heat Campaign
loading...

Heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke are very real possibilities if you are doing strenuous work outside. For some folks in certain industries, it's impossible to avoid working outdoors. Know what to look for and how to react if you or someone else begins to exhibit the symptoms of any of these three. It's important to know what to do in each situation, because acting inappropriately could mean the difference between life and death.

 

 

 

More From News Talk 96.5 KPEL