Albany heat wave to last through Monday

ALBANY — Residents may want to stay indoors and stock up on chilled bottled water. While it doesn’t take a weather man to know it’s hot outside, meteorologists at the National Weather Service in Tallahassee say the Albany area’s in for a scorcher, with daytime temperatures in the high 90s through Monday.

“When the relative humidity is factored, the heat index for Albany and the area is expected to be from 105 to 110 degrees,” meteorologist Kelly Godsey said Saturday. “That’s not in record territory, but a little unusual for the three or four days it’s continued.”

Sunday morning, the Tallahassee office of the National Weather Service issued a heat advisory for its coverage area, which includes Albany and Southwest Georgia.

The advisory is in effect 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. Sunday. Weather officials say the heat index will be 109-113 degrees in the area during that period.

The heat wave is due for break Tuesday through Thursday, temperatures are expected to crop to “only” the low to mid-90s, Godsey said, with rain and scattered thunderstorms thrown in.

“With temperatures this high, folks should plan on staying indoors with their air conditioners on, at least during the mid-afternoon until around 6 p.m.,” Godsey said. “If you don’t have an air conditioner, then find a friend or a family member who does, or go to a public building.”

Godsey said it’s important to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated during these dog days of the summer.

“It’s easy to get dehydrated,” Godsey said, “but try to anticipated when you’ll be out in the heat and drink water before, during and after.”

According to LiveScience.com, water carries heat away from the internal organs before serious damage occurs, and losing too much of that water can lead to heat stroke or even death. Once you start feeling thirsty, you’ve probably lost about 1 percent of your body water and are dehydrated, the website states. With a 2 percent water loss, you could experience serious fatigue and cardiovascular impairments.

Tips from LiveScience.com on how best to avoid dehydration include:

— Drink enough water to prevent thirst;

— Monitor fluid loss by checking the color of your urine. It should be pale yellow and not dark or cloudy;

— Drink water before, during and after exercising for less than 60 minutes. For longer periods supplement water with a sports drink that contains electrolytes and 6 percent to 8 percent carbohydrates to prevent low blood sodium;

— Avoid alcohol the day before and the same day as a long exercise period. Never exercise with a hangover;

— Eat at least five cups of fruits and vegetables per day for optimum health, as they all contain various levels of water and the important nutrient potassium.