Heat safety increasingly important this weekend, in a warming climate - 21 Alive News
Heat safety increasingly important this weekend, in a warming climate
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (21Alive) - Just last month, 21Country experienced a long stretch of heat and humidity, driving he heat index into the triple digits on some days. This upcoming round of hot, humid weather will only last a few days, but it can still be impactful if you plan to be outside for a few hours, especially now that Three Rivers Festival has kicked off
According to the National Weather Service, the HeatRisk for the next few days in Indiana and Ohio ranges from moderate to major, but what does that mean? Each category comes with increasing risks. At the major level, this type of heat and humidity can affect anyone without a good way to cool off or stay hydrated.
What is HeatRisk? Learn about the new product from the NWS that aims to make people aware of how heat could impact them
So, if you’re heading to the Three Rivers Festival this weekend and early next week, just take it easy while you’re outside. Make sure to drink plenty of water and dress for the weather, meaning light-colored, loose fitting clothes.
Also, find shade when you can and wear sunscreen. The UV index will be on the very high side, so it will only take about 20 minutes for your skin to sunburn.
While these temperatures won’t break any records. It’s still going to be hotter than normal...and climate scientists say the likelihood of these temperatures happening is linked to human-caused climate change.
According to Climate Central’s Climate Shift Index, 21Country is labeled as a step above what is normal for high temperatures on Sunday. This means according to climate scientists who developed the CSI, climate change has made these temperatures 1.5x times more likely.
Read about the Climate Shift Index
Abnormally hot and humid summer days are becoming slightly more frequent in our area, too, according to Climate Central data. So just keep in mind of how to stay safe in the heat not just the next few days, but for the entire warm season.
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Related Knowledge Center: Climate science
What began as a theory in the 1890s — that industrial emissions of carbon dioxide could increase global temperatures — had progressed to a scientific fact a century later. Scientists across a range of disciplines are studying the impact of the still-growing concentration of carbon dioxide and other so-called “greenhouse gases” in the atmosphere as they call for industrial and governmental policies to slow, then halt, the warming of the planet.