Plains, Midwest Hit By Blowtorch Heat - Newsday

[hatrack]

CHICAGO -- The blowtorch heat that blistered California last week gripped the Midwest on Monday, prompting communities to throw air-conditioned buildings open to the public and endangering millions of people with outdoor jobs -- including NFL players in training camp. Temperatures throughout the Midwest and Plains rose into the upper 90s and in some places exceeded 100 degrees. The heat index, a measure of temperature plus humidity, climbed as high as 110. The National Weather Service issued heat warnings for such cities as Chicago, Cincinnati, Dayton, Ohio, and Tulsa, Okla.

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Cities across the Midwest urged neighbors to check on the elderly and disabled. Utilities expected to set records for power usage and asked customers to conserve electricity to prevent blackouts. About 110 large industrial customers in Wisconsin had their electricity turned off because of the heightened demand. Wisconsin Power and Light Co. said those customers pay a lower rate throughout the year, but the utility can shut off their power when demand increases.

In Chicago, officials made available a special telephone line to request checks on vulnerable neighbors and friends. The Department of Human Services and police responded to nearly 50 such requests by early Monday. The city's Department of Aging also telephoned more than 300 senior citizens to offer help, such as rides to cooling centers. The Cook County medical examiner's office reported two heat-related deaths Monday. Both victims were men in their 50s or 60s with heart disease. In Oklahoma, authorities reported two more deaths that happened over the weekend. In Missouri, officials announced that a 71-year-old woman had died during the weekend in St. Louis.

In Wisconsin, sheriff's deputies put a high priority on responding to calls about disabled vehicles. "When it's 100 degrees and you've got kids in the car, that's not good," said Waukesha County Sheriff's Lt. Thom Moerman.

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http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/nation/ats-ap_us10jul31,0,87747.story?coll=ny-leadnationalnews-headlines

[HereSince1628]

1. Currently 105 heat index in the western exurbs of Milwaukee

probably creeping up to 110 by 3pm.

Having lived in College Station, TX for 4 years, I know this doesn't sound terrible or much out of the ordinary for August, but up here, we can have an entire summer with only a meager handful of days in the 90's.

[kestrel91316]

4. What's it look like over in Whitefish Bay? I have family there.

Are they at least a LITTLE cooler? They have no AC (never really needed it).

[cliss]

2. Hang in there, DU;ers in the midwest.

Drink lots of water, stay hydrated. I would also lay low, no heavy physical exercise. Pets should probably be looked after, too.

Just horrific. I think that as ROME BURNS, NERO WILL STOP FIDDLING...

at least at some point.

[Delphinus]

3. Currently 103 (heat index) here in NE Indiana.

I've been in and out all day, doing work things, and I am drenched. It does feel so good though to come back inside.

I feel sorry for those without a/c - or even fans.

[Porcupine]

5. Put your feet in a kiddie pool, stay in the shade and outdoors

and you'll be fine. It's a Chico CA frat boy tradition that works really well as long as you change the water once it gets warm.

We had temps at 112 and 113 in the last several weeks. Over 10 days in a row over 100. Only in the low 90's now; cool running.

[NMDemDist2]

6. a wet towel around the neck works wonders

tips from a woman who did menopause in Phoenix :evilgrin:

[ramapo]

7. Then there is the putrid air

There have always been heat waves but the danger is exascerbated by the chemical smog that bakes in the heat. The MSM doesn't say all that much about the air pollution aspect of the heat waves. They seem to like to concentrate on the Nature Gone Wild aspect.

It was 102F in North Jersey yesterday and already 91F at 9AM today. Ycch. I'll take winter anyday over this crap.