SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – The incoming hot and humid air across South Dakota and the Midwest will make it tough to stay cool outside this weekend.
With feels-like temperatures reaching well above 100 degrees, medical professionals are warning people to limit their time outdoors.
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Dr. Ben Christians, an Emergency Medicine Physician with Avera Health, said they don’t like to get overcautious when it comes to making warnings about hot weather. But this weekend, he said, will be dangerous.
“Obviously, we don’t want to do it every weekend when it gets warm, but these times when it gets extremely hot and humid, it does pose some particular health risks to people here in the community,” Christians said.
Christians said the humidity is the key point of danger this weekend. Even though people may be used to hot temperatures, the increased humidity means it will be harder to cool off.
“One of the main mechanisms that our bodies use to cool off is with evaporative cooling. So our body produces sweat, and then as that sweat evaporates into the air, our bodies cool off. And so, when it gets this humid, it just can’t evaporate into the air. There’s just too much moisture,” Christians said.
Christians said the patients they see the most for heat-related health issues are those who are outside doing everyday tasks, not those used to exercising and often plan ahead to be outside during the coolest times of the day.
“People don’t think that they’re at risk if they’re just doing their normal activities or normal work outside. Even just mowing the lawn can be enough, especially if you have underlying health risks. People who are going out for a run or a bike ride are usually cognizant of it. It’s those things that you think are just normal, everyday activities outside that can really get you in trouble,” Christians said.
Christians said if you have to be outside, wear breathable and loose-fitting clothing, and stay on top of hydration. But ultimately, the best way to beat the heat is to limit time outside.
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