Rainy, misty and foggy with heat stroke defined

Good morning Augusta.

Its rainy, misty and foggy out there again.

This morning it is overcast with a chance of rain, then a chance of a thunderstorm and rain showers in the afternoon. High of 70F. Winds less than 5 mph. Chance of rain 70%.

Tonight it will be partly cloudy with a chance of rain. Low of 57F. Winds from the NW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 20%.

The readings from my own instruments are:

The humidity is 92% with a Dew Point of 54ºF and temp is 58ºF.

Our Wind direction is North between 0.5 MPH and 1.0 MPH.  

Our Barometric pressure is  30.13 HPA 1010 and falling with a weather graphic indicating rain.

The UV rating is 0 out of 16, Sunrise will be 4:54 a.m. sunset will be 8:24 PM and Moon Rise is at 9:40 p.m. EDT with the moon phase being a full moon.

For the pilots out there, Raw Metar readings are:

METAR KAUG 140953Z AUTO 35003KT 1/4SM FG VV003 13/12 A2981 RMK AO2 SLP095 T01280122

Visibility is 0.2 miles/0.4 kilometers with mist, fog and thick clouds.

WE received  rain of just over0.3 inches here in the past 24 hours. From "Medicine net"

Now that the heat is "up" for the summer we need to take better care of ourselves in the heat.

So, just what is Heat Stroke and Heat Exhaustion?

During a heat wave, it's important to know and be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of a heat-related illness. There are different types of heat-related illnesses, ranging from those that cause temporary discomfort to the generally fatal condition known as heat stroke. In all heat-related illnesses, the symptoms appear when a person is exposed to extreme temperatures.

The following checklist can help you recognize the symptoms of heat-related illnesses:

1.Heat Rash: Heat rash is a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating during hot, humid weather. It can occur at any age. Heat rashlooks like a red cluster of pimplesor small blisters.

2.Heat cramps: A person who has been exercising or participating in other types of strenuous activity in the heat may develop painful muscle spasms in the arms, legs, or abdomen referred to as heat rash. The body temperature is usually normal, and the skin will feel moist and cool, but sweaty.

Heat stroke facts

Heat stroke is a form of hyperthermia in which the body temperature is elevated dramatically.

Heat stroke is a medical emergency and can be fatal if not promptly and properly treated.

Cooling the victim is a critical step in the treatment of heat stroke. Always notify emergency services immediately.

The most important measures to prevent heat strokes are to avoid becoming dehydrated and to avoid vigorous physical activities in hot and humid weather.

Infants, the elderly, athletes, and outdoor workers are the groups at greatest risk for heat stroke.

What is, and who is at risk for heat stroke?

Heat stroke is a form of hyperthermia, an abnormally elevated body temperature with accompanying physical symptoms including changes in the nervous system function. Unlike heat cramps and heat exhaustion, two other forms of hyperthermia that are less severe, heat stroke is a true medical emergency that is often fatal if not properly and promptly treated. Heat stroke is also sometimes referred to as heatstroke or sun stroke. Severe hyperthermia is defined as a body temperature of 104 F (40 C) or higher.

The body normally generates heat as a result of metabolism, and is usually able to dissipate the heat by radiation of heat through the skin or by evaporation of sweat. However, in extreme heat, high humidity, or vigorous physical exertion under the sun, the body may not be able to dissipate the heat and the body temperature rises, sometimes up to 106 F (41.1 C) or higher. Another cause of heat stroke is dehydration. A dehydrated person may not be able to sweat fast enough to dissipate heat, which causes the body temperature to rise.

Heat stroke is not the same as a stroke. "Stroke" is the general term used to describe decreased oxygen flow to an area of the brain.

Those most susceptible (at risk) individuals to heat strokes include:

infants,

the elderly (often with associated heart diseases, lung diseases, kidney diseases, or who are taking medications that make them vulnerable to dehydration and heat strokes),

athletes, and individuals who work outside and physically exert themselves under the sun.