(COLORADO) — Extreme heat is expected on Thursday, Aug. 7, in several parts of Colorado, with the National Weather Service (NWS) in Pueblo issuing a Heat Advisory due to temperatures in the region expected to reach 103 degrees at the highest.
Hot temperatures may cause heat illnesses. Extreme heat happens when summertime temperatures are much hotter or more humid than average. On Thursday, most of Southern Colorado is under “Moderate” or “Major” risk of heat-related impacts.
Those at “Moderate” risks means heat affects those who are sensitive to heat, especially those who are sensitive to heat and some health systems and industries. Those at a “Major” risk means that anyone without cooling or hydration can be affected, as well as health systems and industries.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), those exposed to extreme heat or those who work in hot environments may be at risk for experiencing heat-related illnesses.
Heat-related illnesses include heat stroke, heat exhaustion, rhabdomyolysis, heat syncope, heat cramps, and heat rash. The most serious, a heat stroke, happens when the body can no longer control its temperature and is unable to cool down. Symptoms of a heat stroke include:
Confusion, altered mental status, slurred speech
Loss of consciousness
Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating
Seizures
Very high body temperature
A heat stroke can be fatal if treatment is delayed; it can also cause permanent disability or death.
Those exposed to heat may also be susceptible to heat exhaustion, the body’s response to an excessive loss of water and salt, which can occur through excessive sweating.
To protect yourself against the heat, stay indoors as much as possible and drink plenty of fluids even if you are not thirsty. The CDC also encourages people to:
Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing and sunscreen if outside.
If partaking in outdoor activities, pace yourself.
Take cool showers or baths to cool down.
Never leave children or pets in cars.
In addition to the Heat Advisory, a Red Flag Warning has also been issued for the central mountains into portions of Fremont County until 8 p.m. on Thursday.
