This week, temperatures in Ohio are expected to reach the mid-90s with a heat index above 100 degrees due to humidity, according to The U.S. National Weather Service.
A heat dome is the primary cause of the severe heatwave. The weather phenomenon causes a mass of hot air to get stuck in the atmosphere over a particular region.
Gov. Mike DeWine and the Ohio Emergency Management Agency issued a safety alert about the severe heat conditions.
"No matter where you live in Ohio, you'll be impacted by this week's dangerously high temperatures," DeWine said. "I encourage everyone to be mindful of how dangerous prolonged periods of intense heat can be and take steps to protect themselves."
The persistent heat can cause heightened risk for heat-related illnesses, according to emergency medicine physician Dr. Mark Conroy.
“There's a spectrum of injury or illness that can happen from things like heat cramps, heat rash. But really what we're most concerned about is individuals who are experiencing something called heat exhaustion or subsequently heat stroke,” Dr. Conroy said.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion may include nausea, headache, fatigue, weakness, muscle cramps, dizziness and heavy sweating. Heat stroke shows in more severe symptoms such as altered mental state, high body temperature and loss of consciousness.
People can reduce their risk by limiting exposure outdoors during the hottest part of the day, wearing light or loose clothing, staying hydrated with water and electrolytes and avoiding dehydrating substances like alcohol and excessive caffeine.
“We always encourage our faculty and residents to check on their loved ones, remind people to get out of the heat and if you know someone who doesn't have access to air conditioning, just to help them get to a place that they are cool,” Dr. Conroy said.
For those unable to obtain air conditioning on their own, they can visit area community centers, all 23 Columbus Metropolitan Library locations and city pools.
The Columbus Recreation and Parks Department defines extreme heat as temperatures that reach 90 degrees or higher for at least four days in a row. Due to the heat, Columbus Recs & Parks will also be extending hours for pools and spray grounds on Thursday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. with free admission for guests. Regional cooling centers will be open on Thursday with extended hours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. until the heat subsides.
There are five cooling centers in the Columbus area in the following neighborhoods:
- Dodge Park
- Driving Park
- Glenwood
- Linden
- Marion Franklin
Non-perishable foods and bottled water will be provided at the cooling centers with donations from Giant Eagle supermarkets.
Due to staffing and equipment limitations, the shelters will close at the end of the day, however, staff will speak with guests to confirm overnight plans and assess potential needs for housing assistance.
