Here’s a brief explanation and/or breakdown for when we see a Heat Advisory or Extreme Heat Watches and Warnings! If current forecast trends hold true, we may see a Heat Advisory issued.
First, there will be a few changes to the National Weather Service’s heat alerts starting this summer. Previously, we had Excessive Heat Watches or Warnings issued. These names will now be changed to Extreme Heat Watch and Extreme Heat Warning.
The alert “Heat Advisory” remains unchanged. Why the change? The National Weather Service has been working on changes to the Hazard Simplification Project.
To reduce public confusion, the National Weather Service aims to reduce the number of products issued and keep names similar between temperature extremes.
You may recall that the National Weather Service issued a Cold Weather Advisory and an Extreme Cold Watch as part of a project to simplify the cold weather alerting process this past winter.
Now, as we approach our hottest temperatures of the year, there is a chance that a heat advisory will be issued if forecast heat index values reach or exceed 100 degrees while remaining below 104.
The Heat Advisory indicates that prolonged exposure to heat index values of that magnitude may cause heat stress symptoms to appear if precautions are not taken.
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are serious conditions that increase in likelihood as the heat index rises to 100° or higher. When we are exposed to heat, our bodies sweat to keep us at a consistent temperature.
On humid days, sweat does not evaporate from our skin, leaving us warm and the skin feeling “sticky.” It is critical to follow all heat safety tips whenever possible if temperatures rise to dangerous levels, as they are currently predicted.
Those who spend a lot of time outside should pay attention to the forecast in the coming days as we finalize any changes and see if any heat-related weather alerts are issued. If these alerts are issued, you will be notified via our WHIO Weather app!
