America's Most Dangerous Weather Event - Important Things to Keep in Mind During a Heat Wave

Record-breaking heat is spreading across the eastern U.S, marking the first heat wave of the year for many Americans.  A heat wave is defined by different criteria, depending on regional differences throughout the country. Regardless of how it is defined, heat is the top weather-related killer in the U.S., making it important to take this threat seriously. Here are four things to keep in mind during times of extreme heat so that you can keep you and your family safe as the mercury soars.

Heat is the Number One Weather-Related Threat to Life in the U.S.

There is no doubt that hurricanes, tornadoes, flash flooding events, and wildfires tend to generate the biggest headlines. However, according to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), more lives are lost each year in the U.S. due to heat than any other weather hazard.

Extreme heat that lingers for several days inherently stresses the human body. This stress can trigger a myriad of heat-related illnesses. While even the healthiest people can be at risk of climbing temperatures, the elderly, young children, and those with pre-existing health conditions are the most at risk.

Understanding the first signs of heat-related illnesses will help you to recognize the problem and take the appropriate action. The first symptoms that something may be amiss include increased sweating and muscle cramps. Other signs that necessitate medical attention include dizziness, mental confusion, nausea, fatigue, and the presence of a rash.

Symptoms that are not recognized and treated can lead to more serious issues, including heat exhaustion or a potentially fatal heat stroke.

Importance of Heat Index and Overnight Temperatures

While the overall air temperature is the most widely used indicator of heat, the number alone does not tell the whole story. It is also important to know the heat index when making outdoor plans. The heat index takes into consideration the humidity levels to give a measurement that is more indicative of what it truly feels like outside.

Hot and humid days naturally feel more oppressive than dry days. The added moisture circulating in the air makes it more difficult for sweat to evaporate off the skin, mitigating the body's natural cooling process.

Many reporting agencies refer to the heat index as the "real feel" or "feels like" temperature.  A heat index of 103 degrees or greater should be taken seriously. The negative impacts of a high heat index are compounded when the weather pattern lasts for several days.

In addition to the heat index, meteorologists also pay close attention to the overnight temperatures. Warm overnight temperatures do not give the body the chance to recover from the heat of the day. Overnight lows that fail to drop below the 80-degree mark are the most dangerous, particularly when combined with high humidity levels.

Climatologists warn that the overnight hours can be more deadly than the daytime heat. This is because the heat stress builds over time.