SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — As temperatures and humidity rise going into the weekend, we will let you know how to stay safe in the heat.
As the blazing sun beats down on KELOLAND this weekend, temperatures will soar. But the reading on the thermometer is not the only thing to keep an eye on. A measurement called the heat index can give us an idea of how the heat will feel on the human body when air temperature and relative humidity are combined.
When standing outside in high humidity, it will take longer for sweat to evaporate since the air is full of water vapor already. The body will take longer to cool down and could cause a fun, summer day to take a turn for the worse.
It won’t take long before we reach the danger zone of heat index values in KELOLAND this weekend. The ingredients are there as a ridge moves in to increase temperatures and southerly winds will bring the moisture. High temperatures will reach into the upper 90s and triple digits Saturday and Sunday will be a similar story.
Western KELOLAND will have more of a dry heat while eastern KELOLAND will get muggier dew points and a high heat index. If you plan to enjoy the outdoors this weekend, there are ways to beat the heat.
Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water will keep you cool. Avoid sugary drinks that could dehydrate you further and consider drinks with electrolytes instead. With plenty of sunshine in the forecast, applying sunscreen will be necessary to avoid a sunburn that uses more of your body’s energy to cool down.
Wearing loose clothing will help sweat evaporate and light colors will not absorb as much heat as dark colors would. Lastly, take a break in a cooler area when you can.
The extreme heat will not last long as we cool back down to below average temperatures by the middle of next week
