Heat exhaustion remains a threat as the heat wave that has affected the Midwest for days continues and spreads east. According to the Salt Lake Tribune, high temperatures and high humidity are expected to remain over the middle U.S. through the end of the week. The paper also reported that heat watches, warnings or advisories were in affect in 17 states.
The National Weather Services predicted that excessive heat watches and warnings may affect the eastern U.S. through the weekend. At times, the agency said, affected areas could feel like 100-110 degrees.
People who have experienced a few days of very hot temperatures or insufficient fluid intake may be at risk for heat exhaustion, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The elderly and those with high blood pressure are especially vulnerable to heat exhaustion.
WQAD quoted Dr. Ricardo Martinez of Emory University as saying, “As you begin to heat up, your body tries to cool down so you'll turn bright red as you try to bring blood to the surface of your skin. Your pulse will become rapid, you'll begin to sweat profusely, but you also may become weak and dizzy and as you lose electrolyte and fluid, you may get muscle cramping and you may become very very fatigued.”
