MEMPHIS, Tenn — The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for Tuesday across much of the Mid-South, including the Memphis Metro from 10am to 9pm.
This forecast for high heat index values across the Mid-South has prompted a Weather Impact Day from the ABC24 Weather Team. What this means is the weather we are forecasting will have wide-reaching effects on your daily activities.
When will the worst of the heat be here?
Early afternoon to early evening will be the peak heat of the day. The Heat Index will exceed 100° for the duration of the warning, with 105° and greater between noon and 6pm.
How does this impact outdoor plans?
You should plan any daily outdoor activities to be either early morning or late evening. That is when the temperatures will be the coolest. Granted, it will still feel quite muggy, it won't be as hazardous to work out, mow the lawn, or any other strenuous outdoor activity.
What do I need to do to stay safe?
Tonight, make sure you drink plenty of water. Hydration is the first step in preventing heat illness, but it take your body time to absorb it. Drinking water the night before extreme heat sets your body up with plenty of water to sweat out during the heat. Tomorrow, continue to hydrate through the day, even before you begin to feel thirsty.
The hottest part of the day is when you should avoid strenuous activity outdoors. Exercise, yard work, and other outdoor jobs should be avoided if possible during this time. If you are not able to avoid it altogether, there are some steps to take to stay safe.
- Work in the shade, avoiding direct sun exposure
- Wear light-color, loose-fitting, moisture-wicking clothes
- Wear sunscreen and re-apply
- Take frequent breaks in air conditioning
Keep up-to-date with all of the latest forecast from ABC24 on air and online.
You can read more about what our newly implemented Weather Impact Day is here.