Full Notification

...Very hot and humid conditions expected today... .A strong high in the upper levels of the atmosphere will be centered over our region today. A hot and humid air mass will persist until the high drifts westward tonight and Friday. ...EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM CDT THIS EVENING... The National Weather Service in Paducah has issued an Excessive Heat Warning, which is in effect until 8 PM CDT this evening. The Heat Advisory is no longer in effect.

* HEAT INDEX...Heat index readings are expected to be even more oppressive than they were on Independence Day. The peak heat index this afternoon will range from 108 to 114 degrees. In addition, the heat index will run at or above 100 degrees from mid morning all the way into the early evening.

* TEMPERATURE...Actual temperatures this afternoon will run from 94 to 98 degrees.

* Impacts...The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a dangerous situation in which heat illnesses are likely. The very young, the elderly, those without air conditioning, and those participating in strenuous outdoor activities will be the most susceptible. Also, car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.

* AFFECTED AREAS: ALEXANDER ... EDWARDS ... FRANKLIN ... GALLATIN ... HAMILTON ... HARDIN ... JACKSON ... JEFFERSON ... JOHNSON ... MASSAC ... PERRY ... POPE ... PULASKI ... SALINE ... UNION ... WABASH ... WAYNE ... WHITE ... WILLIAMSON

Instructions:

Take frequent rest breaks in air conditioning. Drink plenty of fluids, but alcohol and caffeine can adversely affect the body`s response mechanism. Check on the vulnerable people in your area, such as those without air conditioning or in poor health. To reduce risk during outdoor work...the occupational safety and health administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency...call 9 1 1. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. This is especially true during warm or hot weather when car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.