WeatherFanatics: Heat Kicks Off First Official Summer Weekend in South

Saturday, June 21, 2014

Heat Kicks Off First Official Summer Weekend in South

By Brian Lada, Meteorologist

June 21,2014; 8:19PM,EDT

This is the first official weekend of summer and the new season will bring a surge of heat and humidity for those in the South.
Those from New Orleans to Atlanta and toward Raleigh, North Carolina, can expect highs above the 90-degree mark each day through Sunday with the worst of the heat focusing on a zone just inland from the Gulf Coast.
While highs across the Southeast are expected to top out in the 90s, AccuWeather.com RealFeel® temperatures will reach the 100s across much of the region during the daytime hours.
Anyone planning to spend time in the outdoors across the Southeast this weekend should take the proper precautions to stay protected from some of the dangers that the heat brings.

Several factors are taken into account when calculating the AccuWeather.com RealFeel® temperature, such as humidity, wind speed and amount of sunshine.
With AccuWeather.com RealFeel® values this high, it is important not to overexert yourself when partaking in outdoor activities, such as running or landscaping.
Headache and dizziness are two symptoms of heat stroke, which can turn deadly if it goes untreated for a long enough period of time.
If you are in the outdoors and begin to experience these symptoms, you should go into an air-conditioned room and rehydrate with water to help cool your body. It may be necessary to call 911 if you continue to experience symptoms of heat stroke long after being removed from the heat.
The early morning hours is the safest part of day to partake in activities such as exercise or strenuous labor due to the lower temperatures as well as lower sun angle.

Drinking plenty of water is also important regardless of whether you are participating in a strenuous activity or not to prevent dehydration.
Remember that caffeinated beverages, such as coffee or soda, can actually accelerate dehydration rather than replenish your body of much-needed water.
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What is the AccuWeather RealFeel Temperature?
This heat is not expected to depart the region any time soon with highs around 90 F remaining widespread across the Southeast through at least Tuesday of the upcoming week.
Spotty heavy thunderstorms will also erupt around the region, typical for summer in the Southeast. Keep an eye out for changing weather conditions, especially during the afternoon and early evening hours.

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