Heat and humidity to plague Indianapolis through weekend
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Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios
Summer arrived hot and heavy this week, and it's not going away anytime soon.
Why it matters: Extreme heat is the top weather-related cause of death in the U.S. It's especially dangerous for older adults, children and people with medical conditions.
- The first scorcher of the year is typically the most jarring, as our bodies aren't yet acclimated to the high temperatures.
Driving the news: A "heat dome" with high pressure trapping warm, humid air moved over the Midwest and much of the eastern U.S. last week.
- High temperatures are forecasted to stay in the 90s through the weekend in Indy, with a heat advisory in place through Friday evening as humidity makes it feel over 100.
- Overnight temperatures will remain at 73 or higher.
Threat level: Indianapolis' heat risk is "extreme," according to the National Weather Service.
- According to the HeatRisk index, "this level of rare and/or long-duration extreme heat with little to no overnight relief affects anyone without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration."
Between the lines: Human-caused climate change is making heat waves both more likely and more intense, researchers say.
- While daytime highs often make the headlines, average nighttime temperatures are also increasing nationwide — meaning evenings can offer less respite.
Zoom out: Nearly 190 million Americans were under some form of heat advisory or warning as of Monday.
- Nearly 370 daily high temperature records were tied or broken between last Monday and Saturday, according to NOAA data.
What they're saying: "Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun and check up on relatives and neighbors," the Indianapolis office of the National Weather Service said in an advisory. "Take extra precautions when outside. Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing. Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening."
Stay safe: There are 15 Indy Parks and Recreation family centers open as cooling centers.
- Additionally, 13 pools and 19 splash pads are open around the city.
- Heat exhaustion presents as dizziness, thirst, heavy sweating, nausea and weakness.
- If you feel these symptoms, you should move to a cooler area and sip cool water.
Yes, and: Don't forget your pets.
- Provide ample water, limit exercise and watch out for hot pavement, which can scorch paws.
- Never leave pets in a parked car.
What's next: The heat advisory expires at 8pm Friday, but temperatures are expected to remain around 90 through the weekend.