HOT AND HUMID CONDITIONS WILL LEAD TO HIGH HEAT INDICES

Indexes hitting 105 plus

Temperatures should top out in the low 90s this afternoon. The hot conditions combined with high humidity will lead to maximum heat indices peaking mostly in the 100 to 104 degree range along and west of I-65. Heat index values in the Bluegrass counties will likely top out in the upper 90s.

The heat and humidity will continue to build on Saturday, with heat index values reaching 100 to around 105 degrees during the afternoon and evening hours.

Keep heat safety in mind this weekend. Check on your neighbor, the elderly, and anyone without air conditioning. Drink plenty of water. Try to limit outdoor activities to the morning or late evening.

Keeping your family cool

When the thermometer begins to skyrocket beyond what’s comfortable:

• Stay indoors as much as possible, and limit sun exposure.
• If you don't have AC, visit someplace that does – such as a library or shopping mall.
• If you need to work outdoors, do it in the early mornings or evenings. It’s summer, so luckily there’s still daylight after 8pm.
• Drink plenty of water and eat well-balanced, light and regular meals. And avoid alcohol.
• Dress in loose, lightweight and light-colored clothes.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face and neck from the sun.
• Make sure pets have plenty of water and a cool place to rest.
• Keep an eye on older adults, young children and those who are sick or overweight. They're the most likely to suffer heat-related illnesses
• Never leave children or pets in closed vehicles

Overheated? First aid tips

If anyone around you shows signs of these heat-related medical issues:

Heat cramps occur with muscle pain and spasms, usually in the abdominal muscles or legs due to overuse. 

• Have victim rest in comfortable position.
• Stretch the affected muscle lightly and replenish fluids.
• Give the victim half a glass of cool water every 15 minutes. 
• Don't give them drink that contain alcohol or caffeine. Water is best. Or juice.

Heat exhaustion is caused by overexertion in a hot place. Blood flow to vital organs is restricted, causing the victim to go into mild shock. If not treated, the victim may have heat stroke. 

• Move the victim to a cooler place.
• Loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet towels or sheets.
• Have the victim slowly drink half a glass of water every 15 minutes. No liquids with alcohol or caffeine.
• Let the victim rest. 

Heat stroke is a serious, life-threatening condition caused when the sweating function, which cools the body, starts breaking down. As a result, the body temperature can rise high enough to cause brain damage or death. 

• Call 911 immediately (or your local emergency number).
• Move the victim to a cooler place.
• Put them in a cool bath or wrap them in wet sheets and fan their body.
• Monitor their breathing.
• If the victim is vomiting, fading in and out of consciousness or refusing water, don't give them anything to eat or drink.