GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Monday, temperatures were expected to reach upper 80s and lower 90s, higher than average for late August. High humidity is also adding to the heat indices, making it feel near triple digits in the afternoon and early evening. That's according to the 13 Weather Impact Team.
Taking precautions in the heat is especially important for those working outside.
We caught up with the Kent County Road Commission, as crews worked on some end of season road preparations.
"The biggest thing we're going to try to do is plan for this," said Steve Roon, director of local road construction and maintenance. "We've been watching the weather. We know it's a hot day coming up, so we send the crews out with the mindset to take as many breaks throughout the day as they can efficiently do."
Roon also said the workers are sent out with water bottles and Gatorade. They are looking out for each other, checking for any signs of overheating. Many were wearing hats and other protective clothing.
"The heat we feel from the sun, but on these blacktop roads, you'll feel it coming back up," said Roon. "Our roads can get well over 100 degrees. The temperature may be 90 plus degrees, but we may get some temperatures off the road over 100. And then, the hot mix asphalt they're working with is over 350 degrees. So, all those things building on top of each other can definitely get us exposed to some heat that we have got to really look out for."
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heat exhaustion and heat stroke happen when your body cannot properly cool itself.
Some tips to stay cool, according to the CDC:
- Try to limit outdoor activity to cooler times, like morning and evening hours.
- Rest often in shady areas
- Cut down on exercise during the heat.
- Know when to stop activity.
- Wear sunscreen, sunburn affects the body's ability to cool down.
- Stay hydrated, drink fluids even if not feeling thirsty.
- Watch for signs of heat exhaustion: heavy sweating, cold and clammy skin, fast pulse, nausea, tiredness, dizziness.
- Watch for signs of heat stroke and call 911 if experiencing: body temperature above 103 degrees, hot and red skin, fast pulse, headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion and passing out.