BENTON – Cooling centers are open in Marshall County, and forecasts suggest they will be of use through the rest of this week and beyond as extreme hot weather continues to dog the country’s midsection.
A heat advisory was issued by the National Weather Service in Paducah at 12:34 p.m. Tuesday, lasting until 7 p.m.
Meanwhile, the long-range forecast issued by weather.com called for high temperatures ranging into triple digits for the weekend.
The NWS advisory cited highs in the 90s combined “with oppressive humidity levels to once again create heat indices in the 105 to 110 range.”
A heat index of 105 creates conditions that are likely to cause problems such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and the advisory urged precautions for those who have to be outside.
Recommendations include rescheduling strenuous activities for early morning or late evening, choosing lightweight and loose fitting clothing, and drinking plenty of water.
For those who need a cool place in which to take shelter, Marshall County Emergency Management has opened shelters at the Joe Creason Community Building in Benton (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.), Calvert City Hall (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and Hardin Community Building (8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
According to the Centers for Disease Control, adults 65 and older, infants and children and those with chronic medical conditions are more prone to health problems due to extreme heat. The CDC recommends spending time in public place that have air conditioning whenever possible and stresses drinking liquids that do not contain alcohol or excessive amounts of sugar.
If no air conditioned location is available, the CDC suggests taking cool showers or baths to help maintain a safe body temperature.
Additionally, the Kentucky State Police caution parents to never leave children alone in automobiles, especially during extreme hot weather. Temperatures can rise dramatically inside cars, reaching as high as 125 degrees very quickly.
The CDC lists these possible signs of heat stroke: An extremely high body temperature (above 103°F, orally); red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating); rapid, strong pulse; throbbing headache; dizziness; nausea; confusion; loss of consciousness.