Hot, steamy weather dominates for the next week at least

Most of Central Mississippi and Louisiana will experience very hot temperatures beginning Friday and extending well into next week.

The National Weather Service in Jackson is predicting high temperatures through Thursday in the mid to upper 90s each day, with the heat index making it feel more like 110 degrees.

A heat advisory has been issued for Friday until 7 p.m. but expect advisories each day for at least the next week.

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

Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. 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.

Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion, which may develop suddenly or over time, especially with prolonged periods of exercise, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Possible heat exhaustion signs and symptoms include:

• Cool, moist skin with goose bumps when in the heat
• Heavy sweating
• Faintness
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Weak, rapid pulse
• Low blood pressure upon standing
• Muscle cramps
• Nausea
• Headache

If you are with someone showing signs of heat exhaustion, seek immediate medical attention if he or she becomes confused or agitated, loses consciousness or is unable to drink.

You will need immediate cooling and urgent medical attention if your core body temperature (measured by a rectal thermometer) reaches 104 F (40 C) or higher. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 911.