Parts of the Florida Panhandle will get up to 115 degrees. What to know to stay safe

Excessive heat wave advisories have been issued throughout much of the southern part of the country that will impact upwards of 55 million people, from places as far west as Arizona to areas along Florida’s coast, like Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.

The National Weather Service office in Mobile, Alabama, issued a heat advisory for the Pensacola area on Monday and Tuesday as the heat index forecast is expected to reach more than 115 degrees in some parts.

For Pensacola residents looking to beat the heat, the easiest solution is to stay inside. But for those without that option, here’s what you need to know.

How hot will it get along the Florida Panhandle?

NWS Mobile’s heat advisory, which extends from southeast Mississippi to northwest Florida, said that the heat index is expected to soar to a sweltering range between 108 and 111 degrees.

Coastal areas in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties south of Interstate 10 could see “dangerously hot conditions” as the heat index could surpass 113 degrees.

Temperatures are expected to top out in the mid-to-upper 90s for Northwest Florida throughout the weekend. Those coupled with high humidity levels will create the potential for dangerous heat.

Thursday and Friday outlooks showed more searing heat, with heat indices climbing to 110 to 115 area-wide and possibly 115-120 degrees closer to the coast.

What is an excessive heat wave?

The CDC defines extreme heat as summertime temperatures that exceed an area’s average temperature and/or humidity. Heat waves are when extreme heat persists for more than two days.

What is the heat index?

The heat index is what the temperature feels like to the human body, according to the NWS. It’s also known as the apparent temperature, and it’s essentially the relative humidity combined with the air temperature.

To read the above chart, you need to know the air temperature and the relative humidity. For example, using 100 degrees for the air temperature and 55% for the relative humidity, the heat index would be 124 degrees.

How can I stay cool during an excessive heat wave?

The NWS provides plenty of helpful tips to help people stay cool during excessive heat events.

Eating and drinking

• Eat light, easily-digestible foods, such as fruits and salads

• Consider carrying an ice pack if your food may be left out for extended periods

• Drink plenty of water — even if you don’t feel thirsty

• Avoid drinking alcohol and caffeinated drinks

Cooling down

• Use air conditioners. If that’s not possible, consider moving to a public space where air conditioning is provided.

• Use portable electric fans to help expel hot air from rooms and draw cold air in

• Do not direct the flow of portable fans toward yourself when the room temperature is hotter than 90 degrees as the dry air can lead to dehydration.

• Take a cool bath or shower

Outdoor activities

• It’s generally best to avoid or reschedule any strenuous outdoor activities until the coolest time of day or after the heat wave passes. If this isn’t possible, slow down.

• Wear light-weight, loose-fitting and light-colored clothing to help reflect heat and sunlight

• Minimize direct exposure to the sun

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What if I work outdoors?

Outdoor workers are at higher risk of heat-related illnesses by virtue. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration provides good tips on how to stay safe while working under hot conditions.

• Drink at least one cup of cool water every 20 minutes — even if you’re not thirsty

• Take frequent rest breaks

• Find shade and a cool area

• Dress for the heat by wearing a hat and light-colored, loose-fitting and breathable clothing

• Keep an eye out for co-workers to help monitor signs of heat illness among each other

• New or workers returning after a break should ease into working during extreme heat events to acclimatize to the heat

What are heat-related illnesses?

Heat-related illnesses often stem from your body’s decreased ability to cool itself under the duress of extreme heat. The NWS says that if your body heats up too quickly to cool itself properly, or when too much fluid or salt is lost through dehydration, it can lead to heat cramps, heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

What are the signs of heat illness?

Here are the signs of heat-related illnesses, according to the CDC.

Heat cramps

• Painful muscle cramps and spasms, usually in your legs and abdomen.

• Heavy sweating

Heat exhaustion

• Heavy sweating

• Weakness or tiredness

• Cool, pale or clammy skin

• Fast, weak pulse

• Muscle cramps

• Dizziness, nausea or vomiting

Heat stroke

• Throbbing headache

• Confusion

• Nausea

• Dizziness

• Body temperature above 103 degrees

• Hot, red, dry or damp skin

• Rapid and strong pulse

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What to do if someone is experiencing a heat illness

Here is what the CDC recommends doing if you or someone around you is experiencing a heat illness.

Heat cramps

Apply firm pressure on cramping muscles or gently massage to relieve spasms. Give sips of water unless the person complains of nausea, then stop giving water.

Seek immediate medical attention if cramps last longer than one hour.

Heat exhaustion

Move the person to a cooler environment, preferably one with air conditioning. Loosen their clothing and apply wet cloths or have the person sit in a cool bath. Offer sips of water.

Seek medical attention if the person vomits, symptoms worsen or last longer than one hour.

Heat stroke

Heat stroke is a severe medical condition where delay can be fatal. The CDC recommends calling 911 or get the person to the hospital immediately. Do not give them any fluids.

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Excessive heat warning issued in Florida Panhandle. What to know