NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CAUTIONS OF HEAT DANGERS
August 1, 2001 — NOAA's National Weather Service today cautioned residents of the Plains, central and southern United States to be aware of the dangers of prolonged exposure to extreme heat. Residents from Texas and Oklahoma to Minnesota and South Dakota should be aware of the physical problems that can be caused by the current period of excessive heat and humidity, said Dennis McCarthy, director of the weather service central region. (Click NOAA image to view latest USA excessive heat outlook.) "We are right in the middle of the time of year when heat can be deadly all across the country," McCarthy said. "Recent deaths from heat-related problems provide somber reminders that heat stroke can strike even the strongest and most well-conditioned people." National Weather Service forecasts called for actual temperatures ranging from the high 90s to 105 and higher from Texas to Minnesota and Wisconsin. Heat Advisories were in effect today for portions of a dozen central states and Florida. The advisories included portions of Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan. Heat indices were expected in the 105-110 degree range for Milwaukee, Wis.; southward through Des Moines and Davenport, Iowa; Omaha, Neb.; Topeka, Wichita, and Dodge City, Kan.; and Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas. Forecasters advised the public to curtail outdoor activities as much as possible and to pay close attention to the elderly and infirm. McCarthy noted that high school, college and professional athletes starting fall practice could face serious medical complications if they don't watch for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. "Obviously, these kinds of conditions can have an impact on healthy people," he said, "so the elderly and those with medical problems should be especially careful about prolonged exposure to heat." McCarthy said forecasts call for slight relief after today in Iowa, Nebraska and more northern states, but for high temperatures to remain in the 90s and higher for the southern areas of the heat wave. STATISTICS: - The average temperature for the month of July throughout most of Oklahoma and north, central and west Texas has ranged from 2.5 to 5.5 degrees above normal.
- Highest temperatures recorded in the region during July ranged from 104 degrees (Amarillo, Abilene, Tulsa) to 107 degrees (Oklahoma City).
- July rainfall deficits for the same regions averaged 1.5 to 3 inches below normal.
- The north central Texas city of Waco has had 20 days of 100 degree or higher temperatures this year.
- NWS automated weather station at Camp Mabry in metropolitan Austin has recorded a record 20 consecutive days of 100 degree plus temperatures.
Relevant Web Sites
NOAA's Excessive Heat Outlook
All About Heat Waves
What to Do When Heat Waves Strike
NOAA's Climate Prediction Center's 6 to 10 day Outlook
1999 Heat-Related Fatalities — PDF file. You'll need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view it. 1995 Heat-Related Fatalities NOAA's Heat and Drought Awareness
NOAA's Weather Page
NOAA's Storm Watch
Media Contact:
Patrick Slattery, NOAA's National Weather Service Central Region, (816) 426-7621, ext. 621
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