Area preparing for extreme heat this week

A plan intended to prepare for the effects of extreme weather and natural disasters anticipates that extreme heat is a “very high possibility” that must be prepared for and mitigated.

“Extreme heat can be defined as temperatures that hover 10°F or more above the average high temperature for the region, last for prolonged periods of time, and are often accompanied by high humidity,” reads page 66 of the Regional Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan approved by the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission.

The National Weather Service has forecast “dangerous, record-breaking heat” this week that meets that definition.

“A strengthening ridge of high pressure will result in dangerous heat this week, with high temperatures in the 90s and lower 100s,” reads a national bulletin issued on Monday afternoon. “High humidity values will result in heat indices between 105-115 degrees across the Midwest and Mississippi Valley through Thursday and across the Ohio Valley and East Coast later this week.”

The NWS notes the situation will be exacerbated by temperatures that remain in the 70’s overnight.

The mitigation plan notes that the human body’s internal thermostat begins to break down in high heat and humidity making it difficult to maintain a normal body temperature.

“Elderly persons, young children, persons with respiratory difficulties, and those who are sick or overweight are more likely to become victims of extreme heat,” the plan continues. “Because men sweat more than women, they are more susceptible to heat-related illness because they become dehydrated more quickly.”

The City of Charlottesville reminds the public that the following operate as cooling centers:

• Herman Key Jr. Recreation Center (800 E. Market St.) is open Monday through Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. and on Saturday to Sunday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Specific hours for Independence Day hours will be announced
• Jefferson-Madison Regional Library – Central Branch (201 E. Market St) is open from Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The hours on Friday and Saturday are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. but the library is closed on Independence Day and closed Sundays.
• The Tonsler Recreation Center (500 Cherry Ave.) is open Monday through Friday from 12 noon to 9 p.m. and usually open Saturday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Independence Day hours have not been announced to be announced
• The Haven (112 W. Market St.) is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 12 noon. It will be open on Independence Day.

Albemarle County’s Office of Emergency Management is keeping an eye on the forecasts as well.

“For this week, we encourage everyone to stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible,” said Abbey Stumpf, Albemarle’s Director of Communications and Public Engagement. “If a home is not air-conditioned, options to keep cool include visiting air-conditioned public facilities, such as local libraries and businesses.”

Stumpf also encouraged people to check in on their neighbors but also sent along a lot of tips.

• Humidity increases the feeling of heat as measured by a heat index
• Never leave a child, adult, or animal alone in a car
• If you’re outside, find shade
• Wear a hat wide enough to protect your face
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing
• Drink more water than usual and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink more
• Muscle cramping may be an early sign of heat-related illness
• Do not use electric fans when the temperature outside is more than 95 degrees, as it could increase the risk of heat-related illness. Fans create air flow and a false sense of comfort, but do not reduce body temperature
• Avoid high-energy activities. 

What’s your plan? I’m going to place an additional sheet across my east-facing windows to hopefully bring down the internal temperature. I do not plan to go anywhere.

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