Unhealthy Heat And Air Conditions Expected Across Maine This Week: Here Are Some Things To Watch Out For

For those who wished summer would hurry up and get here, it has arrived, bringing with it a forecast of intense heat and humidity for the first week of July.

Local meteorologists, like Todd Simcox over at WABI TV, say things in Eastern Maine will feel downright tropical, with a heat index near 100 degrees expected this week.

"...High temperatures in the 80s and 90s combined with high humidity... dew points in the 60s and 70s the next few days will lead to heat index values in the 90s to low 100s in many locales... especially Thursday and Friday. "

Simcox says folks will want to make sure to limit outdoor activity during the hottest hours (afternoon and early evening), and to make sure to hydrate as much as possible during this heatwave.

A thermometer in the sand with a blue sky in the background

Along with the warnings about the heat index, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection issued an air quality alert for Wednesday, warning folks that ground-level ozone will reach "unhealthy" levels during the day. This means people who are prone to respiratory or heart issues need to be especially careful the next few days and take it easy.

"Sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion. Watch for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath... Asthmatics should follow their action plans and keep quick relief meds handy. Those with heart disease should watch for palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue and contact their health provider if necessary."

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Heat is nothing to mess around with, as the CDC explains; heat-related illnesses can come on quickly and be very dangerous.

People should be on the lookout for symptoms of serious conditions such as Heat stroke, Heat Exhaustion, Rhabdomyolysis, Heat Syncope, and Heat Rash.

Heat exhaustion vs Heat Stroke, City of Bangor, Maine-City Hall Facebook Page

If you or someone around you is experiencing dizziness, muscle cramps, a high body temperature, dark-colored urine, heavy sweating, excessive thirst, confusion, or seizures, it's important to seek help and cool down immediately.

Even when having fun participating in cool outdoor activities like swimming in the ocean, lakes, or pools, people should keep an eye out for signs of heat-related issues.

Using common sense the next few days, and not leaving kids or pets in hot cars, should be a no-brainer, but we'll say it again, just to be on the safe side. Please avoid that at all costs this week.

black pug puppy on car seat

Also, checking on elderly folks, or neighbors and family with special needs during this heat wave, to make sure they are finding ways to beat the heat, will be key.

Here is a list of cooling centers throughout the state where individuals can go for assistance with staying cool.

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Remember, places like libraries and grocery stores are often air-conditioned, if you have to run errands. Opting to visit spots where you can cool off is not a bad idea either.

Stay safe out there this week. And feel free to add your tips for keeping cool to our list.