High Heat Index Expected Today

The National Weather Service is warning of potentially dangerous heat today and Wednesday.

Temperatures are expected to climb into the 90s with a heat index of 100 to 105, the weather service’s website states. The extreme heat will continue throughout the afternoon with temperatures at 80 degrees through the evening, the site states.

The McHenry County Emergency Management Agency’s website advises to stay on the lowest floor is air conditioning is not available or go to a public building with air condition for several hours.

Other tips on the website:

-It’s best to drink water and avoid caffeine or alcohol.

-Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid foods that are high in protein, which increases metabolic heat.

-Signals of heat exhaustion are: cool, moist, pale or flushed skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea or vomiting; exhaustion. To treat heat exhaustion: get out of the heat; loosen clothing and apply cool; wet clothes and drink cool water slowly.

-Signals of heat stroke are: hot, red skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; and rapid, shallow breathing. Body temperature can be very high—as high as 105° F. To treat heat stroke: get help quickly, call 911 since it is a life-threatening condition. Meanwhile, try cooling the person’s body and be alert for any breathing problems.