Crenshaw catches heat
Region under watch forweek as health officials urge caution
Houston rep’s gun views draw ire from both sides.
Houston summer days are hot, but usually not triple-digit hot.
That could change Thursday as forecasters predict the first 100-degree day of the year. The mercury could consistently hit 100 until next Wednesday, and forecasters expect multiple heat advisories.
Heat indices, or “feels like” temperatures, are anticipated to hover between 105 and 110 degrees in the afternoons, and health officials are warning people to take extra precautions heading into the weekend.
“The high heat indices expected in Houston over the next few days can pose a threat to everyone, not just to people considered especially vulnerable to heatrelated illnesses,” said Porfirio Villarreal, a Houston Health Department spokesman. “We urge all people in our area to take precautions against the high temperatures and humidity.”
The high on Wednesday at Bush Intercontinental Airport hit 98. The heat index reached 105 in the afternoon.
The high temperatures are coming on the heels of a hotter-than-usual July that saw an average temperature of 86.1, the warmest average temperature for that month since 2012, said National Weather Service Meteorologist Charles Roeseler.
Temperatures this time of year usually max out at 95 degrees, but “when you factor in humidity values, then it takes those heat index values to the 105 to 110 range, which has potential to bring heat stress and heat exhaustion,” Roeseler said.
A total of 71 people died from heat-related illnesses in Harris County from2014 to 2018, including 15 last year, according to the Houston Health Department.
Dr. Richina Bicette, doctor of emergencymedicine at Baylor College of Medicine, said most of the deaths are likely the result of heat stroke, either unrecognized or recognized too late. Heat strokes occur when the body temperature reaches 104 or more.
“Heat stroke is life-threatening, requiring immediate intervention by a physician,” said Bicette. “If you think you or someone else is suffering from heat stroke, get to a hospital as soon as possible. More favorably, call 911.”
Bicette said symptoms of heat stroke include seizure, headache, sudden confusion, disorientation or bizarre behavior, agitation and a fast heart rate, muscle pain or cramps.
Heat exhaustion is the other most common heat-related illness, said Bicette. It is characterized by such physiological responses as an elevated heart rate, blood pressure dip, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, light-headed, the inability to tolerate further activities and just feeling bad overall, said Bicette.
Experts with the National Weather Service in Houston urge residents to stay hydrated while limiting time outdoors,
especially in the afternoon hours of the day when it is expected to be the hottest throughout the week. If youmust be outside, they recommend wearing light clothing and plenty of sunscreen.
They also urge drivers to check the backseats of their vehicles for any children or pets who may have been forgotten.
The heat also could spell trouble for the area’s drought status. Much of the area is in a deficit when it comes to annual rainfall, meaning plants and vegetation are more dry and easier to burn.
The weather on Wednesday forced some cityworkers inHouston to change their usual routine.
Robert Tovar was landscaping at Spotts Park off Heights Boulevard and noticed himself taking more frequent breaks.
“The last couple of summers, I don’t remember 100 degrees,” he said while taking refuge in the shade. “It’s been awhile. The high has normally been up to 98, but I haven’t seen 100 degrees in a few years.”
Tovar added he has a few scheduled breaks during his eight-hour day, but “if youfeel like your body needs a break, then you stop.”
A few yards away, George Yarobe was playing with his 1-yearold son under a covered basketball court. They were the only people on the court, and Yarobi said it was unusual for them to be outside on a summer afternoon.
When they do go outside, it’s usually at the covered courtorhis apartment’s pool, he said.
“I’ve noticed that it’s been hotter compared to last year,” he said, adding that he’s lived in Houston for about six years.
At Memorial Park a few miles away, Jason Bryan was preparing to train for an upcoming trail race in San Antonio.
He said he’s always been an outdoorsy person, and he’s been trying to acclimate his body to the heat.
“You just have to be mindful and not do anything crazy,” he said.