OTTUMWA — The hottest days of summer in Iowa are generally in July and August, but the local area is getting a taste of extreme heat this week.

While southeast Iowa didn't hit record highs, Monday’s temperatures were compounded with high humidity, direct sun and high winds. This combination proved oppressive for local residents who had to be out and about.

“(Monday was) the first really hot and humid day of the season,” said State Climatologist Harry Hillaker. “It wasn’t more severe weather, but it’s the first real dose of summer. At this points our systems have a harder time adjusting and getting acclimated to this kind of weather.”

Southeast Iowa saw much higher humidity Monday, and Hillaker forecasted that today will follow in that pattern.

“Wednesday through Friday should have lower temperatures during the day since we’ll have more cloud cover,” he explained. “But at night, the temperatures won’t go much lower.”

With the sudden jump to summer weather, it’s time to get into the mindset of preventing heat illnesses. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are both completely preventable with a little dose of common sense.

While it may seem overly simplistic, the key to preventing heat exhaustion and stroke is to stay hydrated.

“Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and carbonated beverages,” Hillaker advised. “It may feel like you’re getting refreshed, but they have negative long-term effects.”

Lynelle Diers, clinical director of Wapello County Public Health, says the older population will suffer from the change to summer weather more than anyone. It’s important, therefore, to check on people over age 70, who can overheat without realizing it.

“As the body ages, the elderly can still feel cold even though they are hot and dehydrated,” Diers said. “They won’t turn on the fan or air conditioner because they don’t want to be cold.”

Other reasons, like not being keyed in to social media or suffering from dementia can prevent older residents from keeping up with weather, temperature and air movement. Diers says family and friends need to check on the elderly as soon as the heat index reaches 90 degrees.

On the other end of the age spectrum, parents of young children also need to be concerned during the hot summer months. Both sunburn and eye protection are essential when taking youngsters outside.

“Children’s delicate skin can burn in a very short period of time,” Diers said.

Using sunscreen and staying out of the sun during its highest point can help prevent sunburn. Protecting the eyes with sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats is an often overlooked precaution.

“The sun can damage the inner workings of the eye if it is exposed to too much ultraviolet light,” Diers explained.

Being mindful of the eye’s sun exposure is critical up to a person’s mid-20s, when the damage has already occurred.

Hats can also provide some much-needed cooling effects, too.

“Keeping your head cool will help your entire body,” Hillaker explained. “Even if it feels hotter, you’re missing that direct sunlight. That’s important.”

As temperatures climb, spending time somewhere cool is a necessity. Places like the mall, library and other public buildings can give some respite from the oppressive heat.

If at all possible, do heavier outdoor work during the early morning and late evening hours when temperatures are more endurable. It’s better to stay inside during the extreme heat of the day. Diers says it’s best to gauge activity based on what’s going on outside.

“If you’re going to be working outside, take along plenty of water and stay hydrated as you’re working. You’re losing a lot of fluids, and you have to replenish them,” she said.

Choice of food during the summer heat is important, too. Diers says that potassium, like bananas, is incredibly important. Sweating depletes electrolytes, which can be replaced by consuming more potassium. A lack of potassium can affect heart function.

Many people may not even know when heat exhaustion is setting in. The only clue may be that sweating stops, simply because there’s nothing left in the body.

If the body is in heat exhaustion or heat stroke mode, get to the emergency room immediately. Rehydration or more serious medical intervention may be necessary.

“At that point, you can’t handle it on your own,” Diers said.





The signs of heat stroke:

• sweating stops

• high body temperature

• rapid pulse

• headache

• shaking

• disorientation

• stomach cramps and nausea

• loss of consciousness