Minneapolis — Minnesota prepares for heat wave as millions battle it out across the US Weekly temperature rise, It can become dangerous if people do not take precautions.
Prolonged exposure without mitigation can lead to heat exhaustion and, in the most serious cases, heat stroke.
According to the WCCO NEXT Weather team, temperatures in the state reached the 90s on Monday and are expected to rise further. in downtown Minneapolis, Feels like 9 degrees It gets warmer due to the urban heat island effect.
But there is another layer that presents a challenge. Dr. Nicholas Simpson, a physician and chief medical director at the Hennepin Emergency Medical Center, said the poor air quality that has hit Minnesota multiple times this summer with Canadian wildfires is exacerbating the heat problem for sensitive people, such as those with respiratory illnesses and the elderly.
Related: Dangerous heat awaits Twin Cities and Minnesota this week
“I think these things combine to make it really difficult for some people out there,” Simpson said.
A new air quality warning was issued by the Minnesota Pollution Control Department at noon Tuesday and is due to expire Thursday.
Simpson said if someone is confused or mentally disturbed, that’s a sign of heat stroke and they should call 911 or see a doctor immediately.other symptoms It includes body temperature above 104 degrees, nausea and headache.
“I think in most situations, regardless of whether you have a medical condition or not, it’s very important to pay attention to your body and how you feel,” he said. “People with respiratory diseases, COPD, etc. are definitely turning to emergency services and hospitals because the hot, stuffy air is difficult for them.”
He suggests limiting time in the sun and drinking plenty of water. If possible, it’s best to stay in an air-conditioned room.
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But turning up the air conditioning to keep it cool can result in high electricity bills. Air conditioning could account for 50% of a customer’s bill during the summer months, said John Marshall, regional vice president of Excel Energy for Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota.
“So it’s wise to use it sparingly,” says Marshall.
Minnesota’s largest utility recommends running dishwashers and washing machines at night when it’s cooler outside to keep homes cool. Additional ways consumers can save money include removing blinds, replacing light bulbs with LEDs that use less energy and last longer, and installing programmable thermostats.
Related: Study finds that extreme heat with air pollution can double the risk of a fatal heart attack
The latter can raise the temperature when no one is home and lower it to a more comfortable level when people return.
Excel said late Monday that sporadic thunderstorms cut power to 20,000 customers in the eastern Twin Cities metro and western Wisconsin. Around 6 p.m., 17,000 people were still waiting for power to be restored.
Marshall assured the company is prepared for power outages that could be dangerous due to the weather the state faces this week.
“We have mobilized workers and are ready to respond immediately. If there is a power outage, be sure to text, call, and visit our website to report it,” he said. “Know that we are ready and that workers are rushing to restore power safely as soon as possible.”
The Salvation Army is setting up cooling centers in the Twin Cities for those who don’t have air conditioning and want to escape the heat. Click here for a list of those locations.
