BOSTON — If you thought it was humid this week, turn up the air conditioning and wait until the weekend.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued an excessive heat warning starting noon Friday through Sunday at 8 p.m.
Hot temperatures combined with high humidity are expected to create dangerous conditions, with the worst expected Saturday and Sunday.
Forecasters are predicting temperatures in the low 90s Friday, but could reach 100 degrees on Saturday. On Sunday, the region could get as hot as 102 degrees.
Don’t expect relief after sundown, the temps are only expected to drop to the mid 70s. If you’re lucky enough to be on Cape Cod for the weekend, that’s where it will be coolest, if you can call temperatures in the upper 80s cool.
Health professionals say prolonged exposure to heat and humidity will increase the risk of heat-related illnesses. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside, they advise. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke which include heavy sweating, faintness, dizziness, fatigue, weak or rapid pulse and muscle cramps, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water.
Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. This is especially true during warm or hot weather when car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in minutes.
This weekend’s heat emergency comes as the Earth sizzled to its hottest June on record as the climate keeps going to extremes, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The average temperature in June was 61 degrees, nearly two degrees warmer than the 20th century average. It beat 2016 for the hottest June with records going back to 1880.
“Earth is running a fever that won’t break thanks to climate change,” climatologist Kathie Dello told the Associated Press.
“This won’t be the last record warm summer months we will see.”
It seems likely July will also be a record hot month, according to Berkeley Earth, the California nonprofit which focuses its research on land temperature data analysis for climate science.
The first half of this year is tied with 2017 for the second hottest six months of the year, behind 2016.
“This heat is what we can expect to see with a warming climate,” said Freja Vamborg, a climate scientist at the Copernicus Climate Change Service in Europe.
What to do during extreme heat
- Never leave children or pets alone in a closed vehicle. Even with the windows cracked open, interior temperatures can rise almost 20 degrees within 10 minutes.
- Slow down and avoid strenuous activity.
- Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Light colors reflect heat and sunlight, and help maintain normal body temperature.
- Drink plenty of water even if you are not thirsty. Avoid alcoholic beverages and liquids high in sugar or caffeine. If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink, ask how much you should drink during hot weather.
- Eat well-balanced, light, regular meals.
- Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun. Do not leave pets outside for extended periods of time.
- If you must be outdoors, limit your outdoor activity to the morning and evening hours. Try to rest often in shady areas so your body temperature will have a chance to recover. Use sunscreen with a high SPF and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- If you lack air conditioning, stay on your lowest floor, out of the sun. Use fans to stay cool and avoid using the stove and oven. Consider spending time in air-conditioned public spaces, such as schools, libraries, theaters and other community facilities.
- If there are power outages during warm weather, take additional precautions or go to a cooling center or emergency shelter to stay cool.
- Know the symptoms of and watch out for heat-related illnesses. Call 911 to report emergencies.
- Be a good neighbor. Check on family, friends and neighbors, especially elders who live alone, those with medical conditions, assistance and anyone without air conditioning.
Source: Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Material from the Associated Press was used in this report.
