Dangerous heat for the first day of summer

SOUTH MISSISSIPPI (WLOX) - Oppressive heat to develop again today just in time for the first day of summer.

A very humid environment is in place and this will combine with temperatures approaching the lower and possibly even mid 90s. The combination of the warm temperatures will lead to very uncomfortable and possibly dangerous conditions.

• Expect temperatures of 91 to 95 degrees.
• Expect heat index values of 103 to 109 degrees.

• Heat exhaustion or stroke may set in if individuals and pets are not adequately cooled and/or hydrated.

• A heat advisory means that a period of hot temperatures is expected. The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a situation in which heat illnesses are possible.
• Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.
• Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside.
• When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening.
• Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear light weight and loose fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water.
• To reduce risk during outdoor work, the occupational safety and health administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.
• Remember that heat stroke is an emergency so you should seek medical assistance immediately if you notice any symptoms.

Summer officially begins at 10:54 AM Central Time. It’s the moment known as the summer solstice in which Earth’s northern hemisphere is tilted most toward the sun.

Direct sunlight angled over the northern hemisphere brings us our longest days of the year.

Friday June 21, the day of the summer solstice, will bring 14 hours and six minutes of daylight to coastal Mississippi which will be the our longest day of the year. It’s only longer than the 20th and the 22nd by a few seconds so don’t make too big a deal out of it.

One thing to keep in mind is that once you’re at the peak of a mountain, you can only go down. So, since this is our longest day of the year, that means every day after June 21 will become shorter and shorter. This will continue until we reach our shortest day of the year on December 21, the winter solstice.