35 Cities Included In Excessive Heat Warning + Heat Advisories Issued By Minnesota NWS
It's the hottest week of the summer so far in Minnesota. On Thursday, over 30 counties, including 35 cities were issued either a Heat Advisory or an Excessive Heat Warning by the National Weather Service in Minnesota.
Those in the impacted areas should take the heat seriously as the heat index values are expected to reach dangerous levels.
Both of the two Heat Advisories issued include a handful of Wisconsin counties. The first advisory included Waseca, Steele, and Freeborn Counties in Minnesota. In
Wisconsin, Polk, Dunn, Pepin, Chippewa, and Eau Claire Counties were included.
Below are the details of this heat advisory, which will be in effect from 12:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday, July 27:
- WHAT: Heat index values up to 104 are expected.
- WHERE: The cities of Waseca, Owatonna, Albert Lea, Osceola, Menomonie, Durand, Chippewa Falls, and Eau Claire
- IMPACTS: Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur.
The National Weather Service in Minnesota issued another Heat Advisory that includes the counties of Sherburne, Isanti, Chisago, Lac Qui Parle, Swift, Chippewa, Kandiyohi, Meeker, Wright, Yellow Medicine, Rice, Goodhue, St. Croix, and Pierce.
This Heat Advisory is also in effect July 27 from 12:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., the details are as follows:
- WHAT: Heat index values up to 104.
- WHERE: The cities of Elk River, Cambridge, Center City, Madison, Benson, Montevideo, Willmar, Litchfield, Monticello, Granite Falls, Faribault, Red Wing, Hudson, and River Falls.
- IMPACTS: Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur.
The National Weather Service in Minnesota issued an Excessive Heat Warning in the state, and the above advisory for areas of southern Minnesota not in the Excessive Heat Warning and west central Wisconsin.
The Excessive Heat Warning was issued for Hennepin, Anoka, Ramsey, Washington, Sibley, Carver, Scott, Dakota, Nicollet, Le Sueur, and Blue Earth.
The following are the details of this warning, which is in effect until 8:00 p.m. Thursday:
- WHAT: Dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to
108 expected. - WHERE: The cities of Minneapolis, Blaine, St Paul, Stillwater, Gaylord, Chanhassen, Chaska, Victoria, Shakopee, Hastings, St Peter, Le Sueur, and Mankato
- IMPACTS: Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat-related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities.
The National Weather Service advises people in either a Heat Advisory or Excessive Heat Warning to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Also, please remember that young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.
Furthermore, those working or spending time outside should take extra precautions. Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible and reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening whenever possible.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments to reduce risk during outdoor work. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency Call 911.
Knowing the signs and symptoms of heat stroke is crucial. According to the Mayo Clinic, they include:
- High body temperature. A core body temperature of 104 F (40 C) or higher, obtained with a rectal thermometer, is the main sign of heatstroke.
- Altered mental state or behavior. Confusion, agitation, slurred speech, irritability, delirium, seizures, and coma can all result from heatstroke.
- Alteration in sweating. In heatstroke brought on by hot weather, your skin will feel hot and dry to the touch. However, in heatstroke brought on by strenuous exercise, your skin may feel dry or slightly moist.
- Nausea and vomiting. You may feel sick to your stomach or vomit.
- Flushed skin. Your skin may turn red as your body temperature increases.
- Rapid breathing. Your breathing may become rapid and shallow.
- Racing heart rate. Your pulse may significantly increase because heat stress places a tremendous burden on your heart to help cool your body.
- Headache. Your head may throb.
Heat Stroke is an emergency and if suspected, 911 should be called immediately.
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