Heat wave in Montgomery: How to keep your family + pets safe, cool

The first major heat wave in Montgomery of the summer season is officially knocking on the River Region’s door. According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Birmingham, a powerful upper-level ridge of high pressure, commonly known as a “heat dome,” is moving over the deep south.

Starting this weekend and into next week, Montgomery-area residents can expect actual temperatures to climb into the mid-to-upper 90s, with humidity driving the real-feel heat index past 104°F. NWS warns that this brings a “major heat risk” to the area, offering little to no relief even after dusk.

To keep you, your family and furry friends safe, we’ve gathered the ultimate checklist for handling the heat.

Montgomery weather safety: How to protect yourself from rising temperatures

When the heat index hits triple digits, your body has to work overtime just to keep its cool. According to guidelines from the National Weather Service, taking a few proactive steps can eliminate the risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke:

• Dress for the weather: Opt for loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothing. Dark colors absorb heat, while light fabrics reflect sunlight and help your body breathe.
• Hydrate constantly: Do not wait until you are thirsty to drink water. Double down on your fluid intake and mix in electrolytes if you are working or exercising outdoors. Avoid excessive caffeine or alcohol, which dehydrate you faster.
• Time your outdoor activities: If you need to do yard work or go for a run, schedule it during the early morning hours or late in the evening when the sun’s rays are less intense.
• Know the warning signs: Dizziness, heavy sweating, nausea and a rapid pulse are signs of heat exhaustion. If you experience these, the NWS advises moving to an air-conditioned space immediately.

Keeping your furry friends safe from triple-digit Alabama heat

Our pets feel the extreme heat just as much as we do, but they can’t tell us when they are overheating. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), keeping your pets safe during extreme summer spikes requires an extra level of vigilance:

• Provide water, shade, and indoor shelter: Give pets plenty of fresh, clean water when it’s hot or humid outdoors, as they can dehydrate quickly. Make sure they have a shady place to get out of the sun. Take care not to over-exercise them and keep them indoors when it is extremely hot.
• Never leave animals in a parked vehicle: Do not leave your animals alone in a parked car under any circumstances. Not only can it lead to fatal heat stroke, but it is also illegal in several states.
• Minimize hot pavement exposure: Do not let dogs linger on hot asphalt when the temperature is very high. Because they are so close to the ground, your pooch’s body can heat up quickly and sensitive paw pads can burn. Keep walks during these times to an absolute minimum.
• Watch for symptoms of overheating: Know the signs of heat stress, which include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse.

What are your favorite ways to stay cool and beat the heat wave in Montgomery? Let us know on Facebook.