ATHENS COUNTY, Ohio — The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for 39 counties in Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia — including nine in southeast Ohio — through 8 p.m. Friday.
As of 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 18, the NWS local forecast says the heat wave will peak on Friday with a daytime high of 98.
Historically, June temperatures in Athens County range between 60 and 80 degrees. The record high daytime temperature for June is 102 degrees, recorded on June 26, 1988.
As the saying goes, though, it’s not just the heat — it’s the humidity. The combination of high temperatures and moist air will make it feel like it’s 100 degrees or more in the shade. (Literally! Air temperature is measured in the shade, so direct sunlight feels even hotter.)
What is a heat advisory?
A heat advisory means that the daily heat index is expected to exceed 100 degrees, and nighttime lows aren’t expected to go below 75 degrees, for two or more days.
The forecast for June 17–21 predicts heat index values of up to 103 degrees.
What is the heat index?
Humidity refers to the amount of water vapor in the air. The heat index combines air temperature with relative humidity: the amount of vapor in the air as a percentage of the maximum amount of vapor the air could hold at a given temperature. For example, relative humidity of 40% means that the air contains 40% of the total water vapor it could hold at its current temperature.
Will we be more comfortable at night?
Yes and no. Yes, the air temperature will be lower — but no, it won’t feel that much cooler because of the dew point.
Although heat index calculations use relative humidity, “The dew point temperature is a better metric for humidity and comfort,” said Ryan Fogt, director of the Scalia Lab for Atmospheric Analysis at Ohio University.
Because it is tied to air temperature, relative humidity varies “quite a bit from night to day,” he said.
The dew point is the temperature at which water vapor in air condenses into a liquid. Warm air can hold more water vapor than cool air; as air cools, the vapor it holds also cools. Warm air containing lots of vapor has a higher dew point.
Typically, dew points in southeast Ohio during early summer are typically in the low 60s, Fogt said. At that level, the nighttime air can feel “sticky” or muggy. When the dew point reaches 70 degrees — as is predicted this week, Fogt said — even the night air is oppressive.
So it’s hot. What’s the big deal?
Our bodies’ primary defense against overheating is sweat, which releases excess body heat as it evaporates. If the air is already saturated with vapor, sweat can’t evaporate as well — but our sweat glands keep on pumping out moisture to try to cool us off. So on a hot, humid day, you wind up sweaty, even if you aren’t physically active.
Extreme heat can cause a variety of ailments known as heat-related illnesses that range from annoying (heat rash) to life-threatening (heat stroke). Symptoms of heat stroke include a body temperature of 103 or higher; skin that is hot, red and dry or damp (not sweaty); a fast, strong pulse; headache, dizziness, confusion or loss of consciousness.
Who is most at risk?
Although anyone can succumb to heat-related illness, some groups are especially at risk and should take extra precautions:
- Older adults.
- People with chronic health conditions.
- People who lack air conditioning.
- Infants and children.
- Outdoor workers.
- Emergency responders.
Extreme heat also affects pets and livestock.
How do I stay safe?
- Get into air conditioning if you don’t have it at home. Designated cooling centers are located in Athens at the Athens Community Center, Glouster at the offices of Hocking Athens Perry Community Action, and in Nelsonville at City Hall.
- Athens Community Center, 701 E. State St., Athens; open 6 a.m.–8 p.m. Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Saturday and 1–5 p.m. Sunday.
- HAPCAP, 3 Cardaras Drive, Glouster; open 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; closed June 19. The Church of Christ, 32 Fairlawn Ave., is open by request at 740-767-2911.
- Nelsonville City Hall, 211 Lake Hope Drive, Nelsonville; open 8 a.m.–4 p.m. weekdays.
- Other locations are available by request, including volunteer fire departments, said Teresa Fouts-Imler, director of county emergency communications. “If you call the 911 center, we will activate the location,” she said. For non-emergencies, call 740-594-6065.
- The Federal Emergency Management Agency warns against relying on electric fans when outdoor temperatures hit 95 or higher. Although the moving air may help you feel cooler, it doesn’t actually make you cooler.
- Don’t exert yourself outside if you don’t absolutely need to. If you must be outdoors, wear light, loose clothing to avoid trapping heat and sweat next to your skin.
- Never leave anyone — adults, kids, pets — in the car, even with the windows down.
- Drink lots of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated and sugary beverages. Make sure your pets and livestock have access to plenty of fresh water, too.
- If you work outside, hydration and clothing choices are even more important. Take frequent rest breaks out of the sun (preferably somewhere cool).
- Move outdoor pets and livestock into shade and make sure they have lots of cool water. Check the pavement before you walk the dog — hot walking surfaces can burn their paw pads.
- Check on family members, friends and neighbors who are at higher risk of heat-related illness. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control has a handy infographic that lists symptoms of various heat illnesses and what to do about them.
- And always call 911 in case of a suspected medical emergency.
This story was updated June 20, 2024, to add cooling center locations.
