Middle Tennessee weather: Dangerously hot weather to continue through Thursday, NWS says

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Dangerously hot weather will continue in Middle Tennessee this week and a heat advisory is in place through 7 p.m. Thursday, the forecast showed.

The afternoon heat index is expected to reach between 105 and 110 degrees Thursda, the National Weather Service Nashville said.

"Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun and check up on relatives and neighbors," NWS said. "Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances."

The heat advisory applies to most of Middle Tennessee.

A cold front will push through Friday, bringing with it a marginal risk (level 1 of 5) for severe storms. The forecast shows a 30-40% chance of rain for the region. Timing is still uncertain but could be anywhere from late morning into the afternoon.

"The primary threat will be straight line damaging winds," NWS said.

After that another stretch of hot, dry weather is forecast, with some locations reaching 100 degrees next week.

"Continuous heat like this can cause heat illnesses and injuries to vulnerable populations," NWS Nashville said in a tweet. "Make sure you're checking on elderly friends and family and those who may not have extended shelter or relief from the heat."

ENERGY TIPS: NES asks customers to help lessen energy use during high temperatures

Nashville sets new daily high record as power outages ripple

Nashville tied its daily high temperature record for June 14 with a high of 97 on Monday, NWS said. The record was set in 2016. It set a new record for June 15 when temperatures high 97 on Tuesday, breaking the previous 1990 record by one degree.

Thousands of power outages rippled across Nashville on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon. The outages were largely restored by the evening both days. Tuesday's outages were due to equipment failure, a Nashville Electric Service spokesperson said. It was not immediately clear what caused Wednesday's outages.

NES and other electric utilities have urged people to conserve energy to ease strain on the power grid as the heat wave continues. Customer can turn off lights and appliances that are not needed and their thermostats higher, among other things.

Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke

The Nashville Office of Emergency Management warned residents to be on the lookout for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Heat exhaustion symptoms include:

• Dizziness

• Thirst

• Heavy sweating

• Nausea

• Weakness

If you or someone you know is showing signs if heat exhaustion, act fast and move to a cooler area, loosen clothing, sip cool water and seek medical help if symptoms do not improve.

Keep in mind that heat exhaustion can also lead to heat stroke.

Heat stroke symptoms include:

• Confusion

• Dizziness

• Loss of consciousness

If you or someone you know is showing signs of heat stroke, call 911 immediately, move to a cooler area, loosen clothing and remove extra layers and cool with water or ice until help arrives.

Tips to keep pets, children, older adults safe in the heat

OEM also provided a few tips on what to do for children, older adults and pets, who are especially vulnerable to the dire effects of heat.

Children

• Never leave your child alone in a car, not even for a minute or if the car is running

• Keep your car locked when you are not in it, so kids don't gain access

• Create reminders by putting something in the back seat next to your child, such as a briefcase, purse, cell phone or your left shoe

• If you see a child alone in a car, call 911

• Set a calendar reminder on your electronic device to make sure you dropped your child off at daycare; develop a plan so you will be alerted if your child is late or a no-show

Older adults

People aged 65 years or older do not adjust as well as young people to sudden changes in temperature, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Older adults should stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible. If your home doesn’t have air conditioning, contact your local health department, or locate an air-conditioned shelter in your area like city community centers, libraries and other public buildings.

• Do not rely on a fan as your main cooling source when it’s extremely hot outside

• Drink more water than usual and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink

• If your doctor limits the amount of fluids you drink or has you on water pills, ask them how much you should drink during hot weather

• Don’t use the stove or oven to cook — it will make you and your house hotter

• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing

• Take cool showers or baths to cool down

• Do not engage in very strenuous activities and get plenty of rest

• Check on a friend or neighbor and have someone do the same for you

Pets

You should also pay close attention to your pets during the hot and humid days ahead. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals you should know:

• Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water when it’s hot or humid outdoors

• Make sure your pets have a shady place to get out of the sun, be careful not to over-exercise them and keep them indoors when it’s extremely hot

• Know the symptoms of overheating in pets, which include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse. Symptoms can also include seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomit along with an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees.

• Animals with flat faces, like pugs and Persian cats, are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot pant as effectively. These pets, along with the elderly, the overweight, and those with heart or lung diseases, should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible.

• Never leave your animals alone in a parked vehicle

• When the temperature is very high, don’t let your dog linger on hot asphalt. Being 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 a minimum.

Nashville area radar

Nashville weather forecast

Thursday: Sunny and hot. Heat index as high as 107. High: 100; Low: 78

Friday: 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening. Otherwise mostly sunny and hot, with a heat index as high as 103. High: 97; Low: 73

Saturday: Sunny. High: 90; Low: 63

Reach Keith Sharon at 615-406-1594 or ksharon@tennessean.com or on Twitter @KeithSharonTN.

Reach Rachel Wegner at RAwegner@tennessean.com or find her on Twitter @rachelannwegner.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville weather: Heat advisory continues; what to know