It's going to be a hot one, Fort Collins: What to know about Monday's heat advisory

Sarah Kyle, Fort Collins Coloradoan
Updated ·3 min read

Fort Collins and other Northern Colorado cities are under a heat advisory Monday, with temperatures forecast to reach the upper 90s or higher.

Here's what you should know as we prepare for a day of high heat.

What's the forecast high for Fort Collins Monday?

As of Saturday afternoon, when the advisory was issued, the National Weather Service forecast called for a high near 99 degrees in Fort Collins.

High temperatures are expected to linger Tuesday, with a forecast high near 97 degrees, according to the weather service, which predicts the high temperature will drop to the low 90s on Wednesday.

What areas are included in Monday's heat advisory?

The heat advisory includes at least some portions of the following counties (below 6,000 feet):

  • Larimer

  • Weld

  • Boulder

  • Jefferson

  • Broomfield

  • Douglas

  • Denver

  • Adams

  • Arapahoe

It specifically mentions these cities:

  • Fort Collins

  • Boulder

  • Denver

  • Greeley

How long is the heat advisory in effect?

As of Saturday afternoon, the heat advisory is expected to be in effect from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday.

What does a heat advisory mean?

The weather service is warning you of hot temperatures and the dangers they can pose. Here's information the weather service previously shared about heat exhaustion and heat stroke:

Symptoms of heat exhaustion:

  • Dizziness

  • Thirst

  • Heavy sweating

  • Nausea

  • Weakness

These actions are recommended for someone experiencing signs of heat exhaustion:

  • Move to a cooler area

  • Loosen clothing

  • Sip cool water

  • Seek medical help if symptoms don't improve

Symptoms of heat stroke, which can follow heat exhaustion and can cause death or permanent disability if untreated:

  • Confusion

  • Dizziness

  • Becoming unconscious

If someone is experiencing symptoms of heat stroke, call 911 and move them to a cooler area, loosen clothing and take off extra layers, and use ice or water to cool them, according to information shared by the weather service.

What should I do to stay cool and safe?

Here are the recommended action steps in the advisory:

  • Drink plenty of fluids

  • Stay in an air-conditioned room

  • Stay out of the sun

  • Take extra precautions when you're outside, including wearing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and limiting strenuous activities to the early morning or evening.

  • For those working outside, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in the shade or air-conditioned environments to reduce the risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

The advisory also recommended checking on your relatives and neighbors.

What about kids and pets?

Here are additional tips to keep toddlers, pets and others safe during hot temperatures:

  • It is never safe to leave a toddler, disabled person or pet locked in a parked vehicle. Leaving windows slightly open does not significantly decrease the heating rate.

  • If you have a toddler in your household, lock your cars, even in your own driveway.

  • Make sure to give pets plenty of fresh, clean water and a shady place to get out of the sun.

  • If your pet shows signs of overheating, hydrate and cool them as quickly as possible. Remember, dogs don't perspire and instead rely on panting to stay cool. Symptoms of overheating in pets include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse.

Source: National Weather Service, previous Coloradoan coverage

More: Heat advisory? Special weather statement? Here's what these weather watches, warnings mean

This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Heat advisory issued for Fort Collins, Boulder and more Monday