(Des Moines) Triple-digit heat indexes are expected in southwest and west central Iowa over the next several days. Tammy Bireline, a nurse practitioner at the Cass Health Emergency Department, emphasizes the importance of being aware of the extreme heat wave warning.
Bireline discusses the symptoms of heat stress. The early symptoms can include mild headaches, fatigue, lightheadedness, weakness, nausea, and possibly vomiting. An alarming symptom could be skin that appears mildly pink or bright red.
For those who must be outside in the heat, Bireline advises drinking plenty of fluids before heading out into the sweltering temperatures.
Additionally, she recommends wearing well-ventilated clothing. If you start to feel sick, it’s important to get out of the heat as soon as possible.
The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat warning for southwest Iowa from noon today until 9:00 p.m. on Sunday. Forecasters are predicting dangerously hot conditions, with heat index values reaching between 105 and 110 degrees.
