Excessive Heat, Severe Thunderstorm Watches Issued For Ohio

An excessive heat watch is in effect for much of Ohio on Friday and Saturday. The agency also issued a severe thunderstorm watch for much of Northeast Ohio.

With extreme humidity and rising temperatures, the possibility of powerful thunderstorms developed in Northeast Ohio. The NWS said Cuyahoga, Lorain, Summit and other Northeast Ohio counties are now under a severe thunderstorm watch.

"A strong thunderstorm could produce dangerous hail, high wind or cause significant damage," Lorain County warned residents on Friday afternoon. The thunderstorm watch will be in effect until 10 p.m. on Friday.

The thunderstorm watch was issued after residents spent days preparing for an extreme heat wave.

Heat indexes represent what temperatures will feel like to people outside — meaning they account for both temperatures and humidity. In Ohio, the heat wave could produce regular heat indexes between 105 and 112 degrees on Friday and Saturday.

"The highest heat index values will occur late afternoon into the early evening but little relief will occur overnight with low temperatures only dipping to the mid 70s to around 80 degrees," the National Weather Service said.

That prolonged period of heat prompted the National Weather Service to issue its excessive heat watch earlier this week. The agency believes temperatures could become so extreme that heat illnesses will be possible.

The heat watch will start Friday afternoon and is set to expire Saturday night.

What To Do In A Heat Wave

The Red Cross recommends residents check on their elderly or ailing neighbors during heat waves. Power outages are common when temperatures rise and elderly people are more susceptible to heat sickness.

"To reduce risk during outdoor work, the occupational safety and health administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency, call 9 1 1," the National Weather Service advised.

If an air conditioning unit breaks, or you don't have one, plan on going to a local library or community center to ride out the hottest parts of the day. Many cities will open municipal buildings during heat waves and use them as cooling centers. Patch will keep communities updated when those cooling centers begin welcoming the public.

Residents should also keep their pets and children out of the heat. Make sure everyone is hydrated in your house, try to wear loose, light-colored clothing, and avoid the outdoors during the high heat of the afternoons.

If you have to go outdoors to do work, try to do so in a buddy system. The buddy system allows you to take frequent breaks and means someone will be there if something goes wrong.

For more tips, visit the Red Cross website.