Temperatures today and tomorrow will be in the upper 90’s with some areas possibly seeing triple digits but there is some relief in sight for the extreme heat.

The National Weather Service in Peachtree City, Georgia says we will see a high of around 99 degrees today and tomorrow.  Tuesday highs will still be in the upper 90’s but by Wednesday and Thursday of this week, the temperatures are expected to be in the upper 80’s to low 90’s for highs and the upper 60’s to low 70’s for overnight lows.

With the hot temperatures for the first of the week, it is important to remember how to stay healthy and hydrated when it is this hot and to know the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Heat exhaustion is often accompanied by nausea, light-headedness, fatigue, muscle cramping and dizziness. Heat stroke carries many of the same signs and symptoms, only worse. These include vomiting, confusion, an increase in heart rate, headache, and in serious cases, loss of consciousness.

It’s best to avoid caffeine and soft drinks because they can cause you to urinate, possibly increasing problems that come from being dehydrated.

Other simple common-sense tips to prevent heat stroke include:

• Avoid prolonged time in the heat.
• Take breaks from outdoor activity – instead of mowing the yard all at once, take a break. Go inside, cool off, and have a glass of water.
• Exercise early in the morning or later in the day when it is cooler.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing made of breathable fabrics.
• Be especially cautious if you are taking blood pressure or heart medication or diuretics.
• Never leave anyone unattended in a vehicle in hot weather.