How Long Will this Heat Wave Last?

We are definitely in the hottest part of the year.  The so called "Dog days of Summer," will last until August 20th, and historically - that's when our little portion of the earth can reach dangerously high temperatures.  So far, that's been true - and unless we get some major rain or an extremely rare late summer cold-front, it's only going to get hotter over the next 10 days.

Local meteorologists agree, the current stretch of 95+ degree days is expected to roll on at least through the first part of next week.  There's a chance for some rain on Wednesday, but we may see a few days of triple digit temps before then.  By mid August, we are expected to return to normal, but still pretty high, temperatures.  Until then, you could be in danger.

If you are planning on packing in the outdoor activities over the next few days, make sure you are taking precautions like: Making sure you take plenty of breaks, drinking plenty of fluids (water is best), and limiting your most strenuous outdoor work or pleasure during the hottest part of the day - around 3 pm.  The mornings and evenings will provide plenty of sunlight and the most bearable and safest amount of heat.

Additionally, make sure you are aware of and watching for the signs of heat stroke and exhaustion.  It could be the difference between life or death.  If you are in the dark about how to tell when you or others have gotten too hot, check out the CDC's guidelines here.