Excessive Heat Warning extended through Wednesday as North Texans deal with high temperatures
FORT WORTH, Texas - An Excessive Heat Warning is in place for the Metroplex, meaning it is dangerously hot outside.
The FOX 4 Weather team said the forecast calls for temperatures just above 100 degrees on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. But with the humidity, it will feel more like up to 115.
Monday afternoon, the National Weather Service extended the Excessive Heat Warning until the end of the day Wednesday.
Tarrant County ambulance service MedStar said it's especially dangerous for children and the elderly.
It's reminding people not to leave children or pets in the car, even if the AC is running. A car can increase by 10 degrees every minute.
MedStar has responded to 72 heat-related emergencies like heat exhaustion and heat stroke since May 1. There were 13 incidents over the weekend.
For those who are going to be in excessive heat, it’s important to know the symptoms.
"When heat exhaustion first starts people are going to feel a little bit dizzy. They’re going to notice that they are really profusely sweating, and they have muscle cramps. Muscles require electrolytes to work properly and when you sweat a lot one of the things you sweat is electrolytes, sodium. So if you start experiencing muscle cramps when you’re outside, profusely sweating that is a time to get out of the heat and begin rehydrating as quickly as possible," said Matt Zavadsky with MedStar.
If heat exhaustion goes untreated, it can turn into heat stroke.
The body loses the ability to sweat and regulate body temperature. That’s when people will need to call 911.
Over the last few weeks, the patients MedStar has seen are people who work outside, like landscapers or construction workers, elderly people, and people who just moved to the area.
"We see the biggest spike in heat-related illness in the beginning of summer because, again, folks who have moved here from other parts of the country who aren’t used it and experience those symptoms," Zavadsky said. "And then Texans who say, ‘Hey, it’s the beginning of the year, it won’t be that bad.’"
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The heat was made worse by the humidity. DFW Airport logged its most humid day ever Thursday.
Zavadsky said it's best to start hydrating two days in advance. Once someone is thirsty, it's usually too late.
He recommends light-colored, loose clothing and a hat.
An ice pack or cool rag can also help those who become overheated.