News Summary
Memphis is experiencing an Extreme Heat Warning with temperatures reaching 98ยฐF and a heat index of nearly 110ยฐF. Residents are advised to stay hydrated and cool. Medical experts warn about the risks of heat illnesses, especially for children and pets. Cooling centers have been established across the city to assist those in need. Community preparedness is essential to reduce heat-related risks during this severe heat wave.
Memphis is under an Extreme Heat Warning today, lasting from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., with temperatures forecasted to hit a high of 98ยฐF. Residents have been urged to take safety precautions as the heat index could reach nearly 110 degrees in the region.
Light and variable winds are expected, blowing at speeds of 5 to 10 mph. A stray thunderstorm may also develop throughout the evening, while overnight temperatures will dip to around 79ยฐF. Despite predictions of a low chance of rainโjust 10% for today and under 20% for the weekโmany local officials and medical professionals are stressing the importance of staying cool and hydrated.
Severity of Heat Risk
Much of the Mid-South is at a Level 4 out of 4 heat risk, indicating a serious heat wave. Medical experts caution that heat illnesses present significant risks, especially for children playing outdoors, who may forget to drink water during play. Signs of heat illness in children include red faces, rapid breathing, and reduced responsiveness. Parents are advised to ensure their children have access to cool refreshments and to consider engaging them in water activities to help maintain their body temperature.
Pet Safety and Precautions
Pets are also vulnerable to the intense heat. Owners are recommended to keep pets indoors and limit outside time for bathroom breaks. If a pet shows signs of overheating, such as weakness or disorientation, owners should mist them with water and place them in front of a fan or air conditioning to help cool them down.
Utility Management Tips
In an effort to manage rising utility bills during the extreme heat, Memphis Light, Gas, and Water advises residents to set their thermostats to 78 degrees or higher. This can help alleviate pressure on the electrical grid while still maintaining a comfortable home environment.
Cooling Centers for Residents
To assist those in need, the City of Memphis has established the Hospitality Hub as a cooling center for the unhoused population. The Hub will operate from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. today, providing shelter from the oppressive heat and offering refuge during the extreme temperatures. Typically, around 100 individuals seek assistance daily at the Hub, with numbers expected to rise during such heat warnings. Infrared thermometer readings around the vicinity of the cooling center indicate pavement temperatures soaring as high as 119.1 degrees.
In addition to the Hospitality Hub, the City has 47 more cooling center locations available, including libraries, senior centers, and community centers, to offer relief to the public during this dangerous heat wave.
Community Preparedness
As families prepare to face the heat, they are encouraged to stay indoors during the hottest parts of the day. Monitoring weather updates and staying informed about local resources is critical for community safety. Keeping an awareness of both personal and community health during extreme conditions can significantly reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses.
In summary, with extreme heat conditions gripping Memphis, it is essential for all residents, particularly vulnerable populations, to take proactive steps to stay safe and hydrated. By acknowledging the risks and utilizing available resources such as cooling centers, everyone can mitigate the dangers posed by the severe heat wave.
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Additional Resources
- FOX13 Memphis: Dangerous Heat & Humidity
- Local Memphis: Preparing for Excessive Heat Waves
- Action News 5: Staying Safe During Extreme Heat
- Memphis Police Department: Extreme Heat Advisory
- Local Memphis: Experts Offer Tips for Safety During Excessive Heat
- Wikipedia: Heat Wave
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
