As Heat Index Hits 107, Find Cooling Centers In RI

NEWPORT, RI — A heat wave will scorch Rhode Island this weekend and temperatures were expected to hit life-threatening highs. The heat index Friday will hit 95 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. It will be even hotter Saturday, when the heat index hits 107.

With temperatures that hot, heat exhaustion and heat stroke are possible. People should drink plenty of fluids and stay in an air-conditioned room whenever possible. If you don't have an air conditioner, spending a few hours at a cooling center might be your best best.

Many communities, like Providence, set up cooling center at libraries and other public buildings. Some of the community centers have pools, so taking a swim is also a great way to beat the heat.

Here's a look at Rhode Island's weekend weather forecast from the National Weather Service.

Friday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 87. Northwest wind 6 to 10 mph becoming south in the afternoon.

Friday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. Southwest wind 6 to 8 mph.

Saturday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 96. Heat index values as high as 107. West wind 7 to 9 mph.

Saturday Night

Patchy fog after 5 a.m. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 77. Southwest wind 5 to 9 mph.

Sunday

A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 96. Southwest wind 6 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.

Sunday Night

A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 8 p.m. Patchy fog after 5 a.m. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 75. Southwest wind 5 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent.

Heat-related illnesses

To prevent heat exhaustion or heat stroke, experts recommend the following tips:

• Drink more fluids than usual, and don't wait until you're thirsty to drink more fluids.
• Avoid alcohol or liquids that contain high amounts of sugar.
• Check on friends and neighbors, particularly those who are caring for young children and those who are elderly.
• Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible.
• Stay out of the sun. Find a shaded area where you can sit and relax, particularly during the hottest parts of the day.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Add a hat if you must be outside.
• Limit outdoor activities, especially at mid-day. If you exercise outdoors, move your workout to a morning or evening time, take it indoors to an air-conditioned environment, or try swimming, which is a great summer exercise.
• If you work outside, wear sunscreen and re-apply frequently, pace your activity, stay hydrated and check on co-workers.
• Take cool showers or baths to cool down, particularly if you're unable to be in an air-conditioned location.
• Avoid turning on your oven, if possible. It will make your house hotter.
• Never leave young children or pets in parked cars, even with the windows down.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, weakness, cold, pale or clammy skin, a faint or weak pulse, nausea or vomiting and fainting. To treat symptoms of heat exhaustion, move the person to a cooler area and loosen their clothing. Have them sip water and apply cool, wet cloths to help cool them down. Seek medical attention if they begin to vomit or if symptoms worsen or don't go away after an hour.

Heat stroke, meanwhile, is a more serious condition. Symptoms include a high body temperature of 103 degrees or more, skin that is hot, dry, red or moist, rapid pulse, confusion and loss of consciousness. If someone is suffering from heat stroke, call 911 immediately and then move the person to a cooler area and apply cold cloths or put the person in a cool bath to lower their body temperature.