Warm conditions are expected over the next several days, and a heat advisory and excessive heat watch is in effect from 1 to 7 p.m. today, according to the National Weather Service.
The excessive heat watch will continue to be in effect through 8 p.m. June 16, according to the weather service.
Heat-related illnesses could occur with overexertion outdoors, the weather service said. Tomorrow afternoon, dehydration is also possible.
An orange ozone alert is in effect today, meaning that an unhealthy level of smog is expected today. The air quality index is expected to be in excess of 100. People and businesses are urged to avoid activities that lead to ozone formation.
Temperatures will be in the middle to upper 90s across much of the area, with heat indices topping 100 degrees, the weather service said.
Thursday will likely be the warmest day, with heat indices approaching 100 to 110 degrees across the entire area, according to the weather service.
Today’s forecast is sunny with a high near 96, and a heat index as high as 101, the weather service said. A west wind will be from 6 to 8 mph.
A heat advisory means a period of hot temperatures is expected. A combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a situation in which heat illnesses are possible, the weather service said.
Residents are advised to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun and check up on relatives and neighbors.
Those who work or spend time outside, should take extra precautions, according to the weather service. They should reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water, according to the weather service.
To reduce risk during outdoor work, OSHA recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location, according to the weather service. Heat stroke is an emergency, and residents should call 911.
An excessive heat watch means a prolonged period of hot temperatures is expected, the weather service said.
With an orange ozone alert, residents are advised that the ozone pollution can cause a variety of problems in healthy adults, including chest pains, coughing, nausea, throat irritation and difficulty breathing. Those who are sensitive to air pollution, including children, seniors and people with breathing or heart problems, should limit their exposure to outdoor air between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Schedule events after 7 p.m.
Residents also are asked to reduce activities such as driving, doing yard work and grilling. Residents can help reduce pollution by carpooling, taking the bus, postponing mowing and postponing refueling vehicles.
Fares for regular bus routes are reduced on Ozone Alert days, and B-Cycle riders can ride free up to a 30-minute ride.
Tonight’s forecast is mostly clear with a low of 75, and a south wind of 3 to 6 mph, the weather service said.
Thursday, expect sunny skies and a high near 96, with heat index as high as 105, the weather service said. There will be a south southwest wind of 3 to 8 mph.
Thursday night, it will be partly cloudy with a low of 75, and a south wind of 5 to 7 mph.
Friday, it will be mostly sunny with a high near 94, according to the weather service. There will be a light east southeast wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the morning, the weather service said.
Friday night, the low will be around 71, according to the weather service.
