Time to beat the heat: Don't skimp on precautions in this weather

High temperatures and even higher indices are expected for another week in the Tri-City area. And no one is exempt from the need for preventative measures to beat the heat.

“We’re looking at temperatures kind of similar to last week with hit-and-miss showers and thunderstorms every day,” said National Weather Service Meteorologist Roger Erickson.

“It’s typical summer patterns, starting in the mid- to late morning and dissipating in the early afternoon. And then quiet in the afternoon.”

Highs are predicted to be in the low 90s with lows in the upper 70s .

“The good thing is the bad stuff is staying up north in terms of the dangerous indices,” Erickson said.

The heat index for the next seven days is mostly expected to range from 100 to 105.

“It could bump up to 107 here or there, but it’s not going to be sitting there all afternoon because of the thunderstorms in the area,” Erickson said.

The heat index is a measure of the combined effects of heat and humidity.

Erickson advises residents to minimize the amount of time spent outdoors during the hottest part of the day. He also recommends that people drink plenty of water.

In 2014, 2,630 workers suffered from heat illness, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration website. Eighteen died from heat stroke and related causes on the job.

Fatigue, sunstroke, heat cramps or exhaustion, and possible heat stroke with prolonged exposure and physical activity are most likely to occur with heat indices predicted to reach 107 degrees, according to the Louisiana Department of Health.

Heat-related disorders are not limited to children and adults. Animals are also at risk.

Staff members at Morgan City Petting Zoo are taking preventative measures for the animals in the heat.

“Heat, just like the cold, does matter with the animals,” Manager Christina Leonard said. “We come out three or four times a day to check the water. We have multiple water containers in all their pens.

“When we come out, we do look out for any type of heat distress or respiratory distress. All of the animals do have shade they can get into.”

In the summer, there is more work to do when it comes to monitoring animals. But the main goal is to make sure animals remain hydrated.

The tropics still look quiet for the Atlantic, Caribbean, and the Gulf, Erickson said. Tropical storms or hurricanes are not expected anytime soon. Activity is expected to get busier in the middle of August.