Dangerous heat and humidity to grip Wichita, surrounding areas Thursday

If you have the option to stay inside in the air conditioning Thursday, do it.

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for the southern and eastern areas of the state from 1 to 8 p.m. Thursday, with high temperatures and humidity pushing the heat index value as high as 108 degrees in some places.

“Exposure to the oppressive heat and humidity without a way to cool down may lead to heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and possibly heat stroke,” the advisory said.

The National Weather Service encourages people to watch their pets and keep them inside if possible.

Temperatures within vehicles can become lethal within minutes if children or pets are left inside, the advisory said. It reminds people to check the backseat before exiting a vehicle, so no one leaves children or pets in a vehicle.

About 37 children die in the U.S. on average each year from being trapped inside hot cars, and beginning this month, Kansans who break windows to get a child or pet out of a hot car will be protected from lawsuits going forward.

Tips:

▪ When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or in the evening.

▪ Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

▪ When outside, wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing.

▪ Drink plenty of cool water.

▪ Schedule frequent rest breaks in shaded areas, if working outside.

▪ Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool, shaded location immediately.

Affected counties:

• Allen
  
  
• Butler
  
  
• Chautauqua
  
  
• Elk
  
  
• Greenwood
  
  
• Harper
  
  
• Harvey
  
  
• Kingman
  
  
• Labette
  
  
• Montgomery
  
  
• Neosho
  
  
• Reno
  
  
• Sedgwick
  
  
• Sumner
  
  
• Wilson
  
  
• Woodson

This story was originally published July 19, 2018 at 8:16 AM with the headline "Dangerous heat and humidity to grip Wichita, surrounding areas Thursday."