MISSOULA - Health Officer and Director D’Shane Barnett advises Missoula County residents to take caution to protect their health amid this week’s heat wave.
“As many of you are aware, the National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory warning for Missoula County in effect from 12 p.m. Tuesday through 8 p.m. Thursday,” Barnett said in a press release. “Hot temperatures can lead to the occurrence of heat-related illness in humans and animals. Please take appropriate precautions to prevent this from happening.”
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), record temperatures are possible across lower elevations of north-central Idaho and northwest Montana by Wednesday. The record high for this week in Missoula reached 107 degrees Fahrenheit (F) in 2007 with daily records from 96 – 102F.
In addition to extreme high temperatures, the NWS pointed out that the duration of this heatwave is unprecedented compared to past early summer events. Missoula has not observed a five-day stretch of high temps above 95-degree days starting before July 1 since 1893. The current forecast for Missoula has seven consecutive days with high temperatures exceeding 95F. Missoula could also see six consecutive days (starting Tuesday) with low temperatures above 60F. Historically, there are only four other events that recorded a streak of five days or more with low temperatures above 60F.
The National Weather Service added that the July 2 – 8 outlook projects a 70-80% chance for above normal temperatures to continue so it could continue through the Fourth of July weekend.
“This is NOT your ordinary summer heat wave… and it should be treated as such,” posted the US National Weather Service Missoula Montana on their Facebook page. “With such prolonged excessive heat, and with little relief overnight due to abnormally warm overnight low temps, this heat wave could become dangerous, especially to the most vulnerable. Please take care of yourselves, your loved ones, and your pets/livestock during this time.”
What can you do?
• Drink plenty of water.
• Reduce exposure to the sun and heat and take breaks when outside.
• Dress for summer and wear lightweight clothing.
• Check in on friends and relatives.
Heat waves are especially dangerous to the elderly, young children and pets. If a child or pet is left unattended in a vehicle during these conditions, try to locate the vehicle owner as quickly as possible. If unable to locate them, dial 911 and they can provide you with instructions for how to proceed. Do not directly confront vehicle owners if threatened.
Finally, know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
According to Baylor College of Medicine, heat exhaustion occurs when there is a moderate increase in body temperature, while heat stroke is a step further – the body can no longer control sweat and excess heat. The core temperature of the body reaches 104F and changes in the central nervous system take place such as disorientation, confusion, behavioral or emotional changes or altered mental status. Vital internal organs like the brain, liver and kidneys can be damaged by heat stroke and it can become fatal if not treated immediately.
The signs of heat exhaustion include sweating, rapid heart rate, lightheadedness, headache, low blood pressure and muscle cramps. Symptoms like nausea, vomiting or diarrhea should not be ignored because they make it difficult to rehydrate.
If heat exhaustion is suspected, Baylor College of Medicine advises to find a place to rest, drink water and move to a cooler environment. If a person becomes confused and has an elevated body temperature of greater than 104 degrees Fahrenheit, call 911 to get them help.
A full list of the symptoms can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/warning.html.
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