COLUMBUS – Summer weather is about to descend on central Ohio, bringing and stiflingly hot temperatures for the final days of July.
UPDATE 7/28/23 3:36 p.m.: A heat advisory issued by the National Weather Service for central and western Ohio on Wednesday from noon has been canceled.
Columbus Recreation and Parks will expand pool and splash pad hours from 1:00 p.m. until 8:45 p.m. through Friday and is waiving the $1 admission fee. All community centers will be open regular hours, from 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. weekdays.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency in June launched a new campaign to help promote preparedness for extreme heat events throughout the summer, including the introduction of its official #SummerReady website.
“Extreme heat is responsible for the highest number of annual deaths among all weather-related hazards. Taking simple steps to protect yourself isn’t just smart, it could save your life,” said Tom Sivak, regional administrator of FEMA Region 5, which includes Ohio.
Tips for staying cool in hot weather:
- Never leave children or pets in cars.
- Limit your time outdoors and stay in an air-conditioned indoor location, like a library, museum or shopping mall if you don’t have A/C at home.
- Roughly 40% of unwanted heat buildup in our homes is through windows. Use awnings, curtains or other window coverings to keep the heat out.
- Take cool showers or baths to cool down.
- Drink plenty of fluids even if you don’t feel thirsty.
- Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing, along with a hat and sunscreen when outdoors.
Source: FEMA Region 5
Beat the heat indoors:
- Adjust your thermostat.
- Close blinds and curtains to keep the sun out. Avoid using heat-producing appliances such as ovens and dryers.
- Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device. Fans create air flow but do not reduce body temperature or prevent heat-related illnesses.
A ceiling fan makes a room feel up to 10 degrees cooler. Be sure it’s rotating counterclockwise so it pushes cool air down.Source: AEP Ohio
With heat waves spreading across the United States, President Joe Biden has announced new steps to protect workers, improve weather forecasts and make drinking water more accessible.
These actions come as as nearly 40% of the U.S. population faces heat advisories.
It’s a worldwide problem, and scientists calculate that July will be the hottest month on record.