HANCOCK COUNTY — Officials with the Indianapolis National Weather Service are warning Central Indiana residents to beware of abnormally hot temperatures this week and next that could reach 100 degrees.
Forecasts from state officials say the area could set record highs for June which normally averages about 82 degrees. Temperatures this week are expected to hover near 100 degrees for several days with a heat index much higher.
“People should be prepared for the shock factor because we haven’t even hit 90 and here we are talking about maybe hitting 100 degrees,” Indianapolis National Weather Service meteorologist Alexander McGinnis said.
Calling the forecast unseasonably hot, McGinnis noted there is a reason for the expected sky-rocketing heat. In weather terms, McGinnis blames an upper level ridge that will hover over the Mississippi Valley and travel all the way through the midwest, even into Michigan and Canada this week and next.
“Indiana will be sitting it looks like in the center of this ridge,” McGinnis said.
Forecast call for several days in the high 90s with a slight break Saturday and Sunday where temperatures are projected in the 80s before things heat back up to the 90s the next week.
McGinnis said the normal high for Indiana this time of year is in the low 80s, with the record high for Tuesday (today) and Wednesday being 94 degrees.
“We are forecasting temperatures at the record threshold this week,” McGinnis said.
McGinnis said normally the chance for a record high in Indiana doesn’t happen until sometime in July.
“The record highs have not normally come until after June 25,” McGinnis said.
That means county residents and people who work outdoors need to be prepared for the extreme heat to reduce the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
For people who must be outside working in the conditions, safety tips include staying hydrated, making sure water is always on hand, taking frequent breaks and time to acclimatize, dressing lightly and watching what you eat and drink.
Sugar Creek Township Fire Department Public Information Officer Tony Bratcher said his department will take extra precautions with their crews, who wear full safety gear in the high heat. They will rest crews and rotate firefighters in more often when out on fires and accidents so they can supply proper relief.
“Our training states hydration starts well before a shift,” Bratcher said. “Hydration is a big deal and a lot of our guys know, especially in this type of heat, to drink a gallon of water a day.”
Weather and safety officials say it’s best to stay indoors and in an air-conditioned environment as much as possible unless you’re sure your body has a high tolerance for heat. They also recommend people drink plenty of fluids but avoid beverages that contain alcohol, caffeine or a lot of sugar.
The high temperatures can be extremely dangerous for small children, the elderly and animals, which should all be checked on periodically during the heat wave.
Pet owners are advised to bring animals inside and to never leave a pet in a hot vehicle, even for a few minutes; to limit exercise on hot days; to be sure to walk the pet in the grass if possible, to avoid hot surfaces burning their paws and to make sure they have access to shade and plenty of cool water.
“Our pets are like family so, if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for them. Just bring them inside,” Bratcher said.
Greenfield Fire Territory chief Brian Lott sent out a memo to his department last Friday warning crews to be prepared for high heat and high humidity this week and next.
Lott noted Vernon Township has a program called “Fire Core” where they’ve turned an old rescue truck into a rehab unit which has cooling chairs, water misters and water for firefighters. Lott said his department will not hesitate to call them if needed.
Jim Peters from the county’s Community Organization Active in Disaster (COAD) tells the Daily Reporter they stand ready if a need develops, but likely the best options for those who do not have air conditioning is to go to a public place to get out of the daytime heat.
