By the time July arrives, the hot and humid temperatures are neither a secret nor a stranger to Grenada County, but officials want to encourage those affected by the weather to use extreme caution.
Temperatures reached the mid-90 degree mark all of last week and are expected to continue to climb over the next few days. Heat indexes also reached the triple digits over the past few days.
According to the National Weather Service in Jackson, heat and humidity will continue in the south with heat indexes approaching 115 in some locations.
“Right now we’re expecting heat indexes to be as high as they have been this year,” Meteorologist Eric Carpenter at the NWS in Jackson said. “As far as the humidity goes, Grenada’s is looking at 50 percent during the day and about 80 to 90 percent at night.”
Officials in Grenada County said temperatures have become especially dangerous for those vulnerable such as children and the elderly.
Grenada County EMA Director Trebia Rodgers said the heat index is almost at a critical stage.
“The heat is here and it’s only going to get hotter,” Rodgers said. “This is dangerous heat and humidity, and we want everyone to take caution in this weather.”
Grenada Fire Chief Ronnie Willis said the fire department remains on stand by when temperatures become dangerously hot. He urges citizens to check on those who could be vulnerable in this heat even during the COVID-19 outbreak, a simple phone call would be helpful.
“Those elderly people or someone who is disabled, just give them a call or check on them,” Willis said.
The elderly, children and people with certain medical conditions such as heart disease are at greater risk, according to medical professionals.
The state department of health said even young and healthy individuals can succumb to heat if they participate in strenuous physical activities during hot weather.
According to law enforcement officials, the heat can also cause problems for motorists.
Grenada Police Chief George Douglas said children should not be left behind in vehicles under any circumstances.
“When it gets hot like it is, temperatures in the vehicle get even hotter,” he said.
Douglas said even with the windows cracked open, interior temperatures can rise almost 20 degrees within the first 10 minutes.
According to the MDH, anyone left inside is at risk for serious heat-related illness or even death. Children that are left unattended in parked cars are at greatest risk for heat stroke or possible death.
When it comes to assuring that outside animals remain safe during the heatwave, animal control officer Randy Brown of the Grenada Police Department said animals go through a lot in the sun.
“That’s something we try to watch out for,” Brown said. “The majority of the people are taking care of their outside pets because they know how hot it’s getting.”
Tips for dealing with the hot weather include:
- Check on older, sick, or frail people who may need help responding to the heat. Each year, dozens of children and untold numbers of pets left in parked vehicles die from hyperthermia or heat stroke. Keep your children, disabled adults and pets safe during tumultuous heat waves.
- Slow down. Reduce, eliminate or reschedule strenuous activities until the coolest time of the day. Children, seniors and anyone with health problems should stay in the coolest available place, not necessarily indoors.
- Dress for summer. Wear lightweight, loose fitting, light-colored clothing to reflect heat and sunlight. Eat light, cool, easy-to-digest foods such as fruit or salads. If you pack food, put it in a cooler or carry an ice pack. Don’t leave it sitting in the sun. Meats and dairy products can spoil quickly in hot weather.
- Drink plenty of water (not very cold), non-alcoholic and decaffeinated fluids, even if you don’t feel thirsty. l Minimize direct exposure to the sun.
