For the first time this summer, area temperatures will reach-and most likely exceed-100 degrees today, and triple-digit temperatures will linger for several days.
"The heat will be miserable, and the heat index will be in excess of 105," said Mario D. Valverde, meteorologist in charge at National Weather Service in Shreveport, La.
The temperature on Friday is expected to be 103, with highs near 101 on Saturday and 100 on Sunday. Monday will be mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 100 and a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms.
That chance of rain and storms continues Tuesday, which is forecast to be mostly sunny, with a high near 98.
"People need to slow down and take it easy. If you have to work outside, do it during the early morning hours. Slow down and cool down," Valverde said.
NWS is forecasting the heat wave for most or all of the Four States Area.
"A blazing heat wave will consume much of the Southern Plains and Lower MS Valley through early next week, especially for Texas. Numerous excessive heat warnings, watches and advisories are in effect for the mid-section of Texas and Oklahoma. These hazards will only become more widespread. Expect record high temps and very dangerous heat indices, both surging well north of triple digits," the National Weather Service website states.
Texas Department of Public Safety warns residents to take extra safety precautions as temperatures and heat indices pass 100 degrees.
"We have already experienced extreme heat in most parts of the state this summer, and DPS wants to remind all Texans that the dangers from sustained high temperatures should not be taken lightly," DPS Director Steven McCraw said. "Heat-related injuries and deaths are often preventable if we take the necessary steps to protect ourselves and others."
Extreme temperatures place children at greater risk of injury or death if left unattended in a vehicle. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, temperatures inside a car can rise more than 20 degrees in only 10 minutes. Even with an outside temperature of 60 degrees, the temperature inside a car can reach 110 degrees.
Heatstroke is one of the leading causes of noncrash-related fatalities among children, and every year, children die from heat-related injuries after being left in a vehicle or entering a vehicle unnoticed. Leaving windows partially rolled down does not help, authorities said. A child should never be left unattended in a vehicle.
Extreme heat events or heat waves are one of the leading causes of weather-related deaths in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Periods of severe heat and high humidity tax the body's ability to cool itself and can lead to heat exhaustion and heatstroke, which can be fatal.
DPS offers the following tips for staying safe and managing the heat:
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you do not feel thirsty; you may not realize you're dehydrated until it's too late. Avoid alcohol and beverages high in caffeine or sugar during periods of prolonged outdoor exposure.
- Pay attention to your body. Heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke can develop quickly. Know the warning signs and seek medical attention if necessary.
- Check on others, especially the elderly, sick, very young and those without air conditioning.
- Don't forget pet safety. Animals are also susceptible to heat-related injury or death.
- Monitor local weather updates and stay aware of any upcoming changes in weather.
- Limit exposure to the sun and stay indoors as much as possible. If possible, avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day.
- Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and a hat while spending time outdoors.
- Wear sunscreen. Sunburns can affect your body's ability to cool down. Protect yourself during periods of sun exposure by putting on sunscreen SPF 15 or higher 30 minutes prior to going outside.
- Be extra careful when cooking outdoors, building campfires or driving off-road to avoid igniting dry vegetation. Be aware of burn bans in your area and always abide by restrictions on outdoor burning.
Fore more information and tips on preparing for and staying safe during periods of extreme heat, visit the National Weather Service website at weather.gov/safety/heat or the Department of Homeland Security's preparedness website, ready.gov/heat.