Warmer Temperatures? Time For Heat Safety!

May 7, 2025 at 11:17 AM EDT

By WeatherBug Meteorologist, Christian Sayles

Spring is now in full force which means temperatures will be rising. Although plain rain showers will provide a brief relief to the heat in some areas across the U.S., days with no rain with temperatures skyrocketing will become the norm at a moment’s notice. There are some things you can do to make sure you get ahead of the hot days on the horizon.

Did you know that heat is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S.? Year-round, hundreds of people perish from heat-related illnesses. Not just people, but animals also suffer from heat-related illnesses and death as well due to the improper care taken ahead of time. Overexposure to high temperatures can lead to devastating consequences, especially for those more vulnerable to Mother Nature’s hottest effect.

Those that are at higher risk of heat-related illness such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke includes children and infants, elderly, anyone suffering from chronic illnesses and pregnant women. These groups of people are less able to adapt to spiking temperatures and should be monitored closely especially during heat waves where temperatures rise above 90 degrees for multiple days in a row.

Remember, always check the backseat of your vehicle before exiting. Even on days when it isn’t hot outside, the sun beaming through the windshield or windows will quickly heat up the vehicle within minutes, creating a dangerous environment for children as well as pets. Over 900 children have died since 1998 from heat-related illnesses caused from being in a locked vehicle, all of which could have been avoided.

In order to stay ahead of the curve, make sure you know the following alerts should they be issued by your local forecast office:

Heat Advisory- This is issued 12 hours prior to an extremely dangerous heat event. Heat indices nearing or exceeding 100 degrees or higher for at least two days can trigger this advisory as well as nighttime temperatures remaining above 75 degrees or higher.
Excessive Heat Watches/Warnings- An Excessive Heat Watch means that conditions are favorable for dangerous heat within the next 24 to 72 hours. Timing of the dangerous heat may be unknown, but a heat wave is possible when this is issued. When an Excessive Heat Warning is issued then extremely dangerous heat conditions indicative of a heat wave is expected within the next 12 hours. This kind of alert means that heat indices 105 degrees or higher are expected for at least 2 days, with nighttime temperatures remaining above 75 degrees.
Excessive Heat Outlooks- This type of alert is typically issued to give long term warning of a potentially dangerous heat event. When this is issued, excessive heat conditions are expected to occur at least in the next three to seven days. The goal is to give ample time to prepare for the dangerous weather conditions.

Remember, most if not all heat related deaths are avoidable. Just by taking the time to check the back seat, check on elderly neighbors and family members as well as staying hydrated and limiting time outdoors can go a long way in making sure everyone remains safe this season.

Source(s): National Weather Service, noheatstroke.org

(Image provided by Pixabay.com)