Health Alert: Prepare Now For The First Major Heat Wave of Summer
Published on June 20, 2025
‘Feels-like’ temperatures will potentially exceed 100°
The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Watch beginning Sunday at Noon and lasting through 8pm Wednesday.
Dangerously hot conditions with heat index values exceeding 100 degrees are expected. There will be little overnight relief with lows only dropping into the 70s in many locations, according to forecasters.
Heat-related illnesses increase significantly during times of extreme heat and high humidity.
“It’s important to be prepared and take the necessary precautions as heat is one of the leading weather-related killers,” said Geoff Dunn, Community Preparedness Coordinator with the Department of Emergency Response. “The most important things you can do are to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, stay in an air-conditioned room and out of the sun as much as possible, and check up on relatives and neighbors.”
Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside and know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. If you can, reschedule strenuous activities to early in the morning or evening, stay hydrated, and wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing.
If you are working outdoors, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location and call 9-1-1 immediately.
“Young children and infants, the elderly and those with chronic medical conditions are particularly vulnerable to extreme heat,” said Dunn. “Never leave children, seniors, or pets unattended in a car, even for a few minutes.”
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