More 100-degree days are expected in Pueblo this summer. Here's how to beat the heat
More 100-degree days are expected to hit Pueblo next week, but there are things residents can do to keep themselves and those around them safe in the scorching weather.
On Monday, July 17, temperatures peaked at 104 degrees in Pueblo. On Tuesday, temperatures reached 105 degrees, tying a record set 20 years ago for July 18. The National Weather Service in Pueblo expects a cooler weekend with highs near 84, 89 and 96 degrees for Friday, Saturday and Sunday, respectively. However, temperatures are expected to rise once again to 100 degrees on Monday, July 24.
As temperatures remain high, here are some precautions Pueblo residents should take to stay cool and avoid heat-related illnesses.
Protect your skin from the sun's UV rays
With clear skies and high temperatures, the Ultraviolet Index is high this summer in Pueblo.
The UV Index is a scale used to predict the strength of UV radiation on a given day. On July 19, the UV Index forecast for Pueblo was 11 — placing it in the "extreme" exposure category, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
On days when an area's UV Index is 8 or higher, wearing a hat, shirt and sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 is "a must" from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., according to the EPA. Individuals also should seek shade whenever possible and be aware that white sand may reflect and double UV exposure. A daily UV Index Search is provided on the EPA website.
Know the risk factors for heat-related illnesses
Individuals 65 and older and children under 2 are at especially high risk for heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Other risk factors include alcohol use, fever, heart disease, obesity, mental illness, prescription drug use, poor circulation and sunburn, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Those who are at risk for heat-related illness should spend most of their day in air-conditioned buildings, drink more water than usual, and limit the use of stoves and ovens.
Remember to stay hydrated
Regardless of risk factors, it's important for everyone to make sure they are drinking enough water and not just drinking when they feel thirsty.
For those who work outside, a CDC fact sheet gives recommendations on staying hydrated throughout the day. It recommends hydration before, during and after the work day. While working outside in high temperatures, it is advised to drink 8 ounces of water every 15 to 20 minutes — so about 24 to 32 ounces per hour. It is important not to drink more than 48 ounces in an hour, however, as it can lower salt levels in blood, causing a medical emergency.
Don't forget about your pets
To prevent heat-related illness and death, it is important to never leave animals or children in a hot car — even if the air conditioning is on or a window is cracked open.
Even with an open window, temperatures in parked cars can rise up to 20 degrees within 10 minutes, according to the CDC. Throughout the day, pet owners should provide their furry friends with enough fresh water in a shaded area and let their pets spend time in an air-conditioned building.
Pueblo Chieftain reporter James Bartolo can be reached at JBartolo@gannett.com. Support local news, subscribe to The Pueblo Chieftain at subscribe.chieftain.com.
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This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Stay cool and avoid heat-related illnesses in Pueblo with these 4 tips
