Feeling hot? Cooler temperatures on the way
It's hot out. And that means we can gripe, complain, moan and grouse with gusto today as the thermometer inches into the upper 90s. The temperature should drop to the mid 60s by this evening.
The extreme heat means we need to exercise some caution and care. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that each year more people in the United States die from extreme heat than from hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, floods and earthquakes combined.
You've heard the basics before: Drink plenty of fluids, stay indoors and take it easy if you have to be outside. But here are a few additional facts you may not be so familiar with:
• The largest temperature plunge on record in Chicago was 61 degrees in 1911. The high temperatures on Nov. 11 was 74; the low on Nov. 12 was 13 degrees.
• Thirst is not an indicator of dehydration. Once you are thirsty, you already low on fluids.
• Full sunshine can raise the heat index by 15 degrees.
• Cold air is much heavier than warm air -- meaning it's probably cooler to sleep on the floor than the ceiling.
• Urban areas tend to be hotter, especially at night since asphalt and concrete store heat longer and gradually release heat at night.
• Al'Aziziyah in Libya has the highest recorded temperature on earth at a sweltering 136° on the 13th Sept, 1922.
• Yuma, AZ is the sunniest place on the planet with more than 4,000 hours of sunshine per year.
• The highest temperature ever recorded in Chicago is an unofficial 109°F (44°C) on July 23, 1934 at Midway.
On a more serious note, today's heat can be dangerous, especially to pets, children and the elderly.
Heat cramps: Painful spasms, usually in legs and stomach, plus heavy sweating. What to do: Get to a cooler location, massage muscles, sip a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes (unless nauseated).
Heat exhaustion: Fainting, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headaches and exhaustion with heavy sweating with a weak pulse. What to do: Lie down in a cool place; apply wet, cool cloths; sip a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Seek immediate medical attention if vomiting occurs.
Heat stroke: Body temperature is 105+ with hot skin, rapid and weak pulse, shallow breathing, difficulty sweating and possible unconsciousness. Call 911 and move victim to a cooler place.
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