Staying Cool in the Record Breaking Heat

Temperatures are reaching past 100 degrees in most parts of the country.  Staying cool is essential to not becoming sick or dehydrated.  Below are some tips on how to beat the heat and stay healthy during this oppressive heat wave.

The heat was on Friday in Atlanta, and it was a record-breaking scorcher.  Temperatures reached 104 degrees, setting a record for the day-- but that's only the beginning.  Highs for Saturday are expected to reach 105 degrees in Atlanta, and even higher in some surrounding locations.

FOX 5 Storm Team chief meteorologist Ken Cook says Friday night's low will be around 78 degrees, but on Saturday, we'll warm quickly to about 105 degrees.  That kind of heat is especially dangerous, and it's prompted a heat advisory for Saturday.  The heat index for tomorrow is expected to range between 105-110 degrees, depending on your location.

Atlanta's hottest temp ever-- 105 degrees-- is not out of the question for the weekend.  Until now, the last time the mercury rose above 100 in the city was August 22, 2007.

Cook says there's not much relief in sight, with highs expected over 100 on Sunday and even Monday.  After that, temps are expected to slowly drop throughout next week.


Beating the heat

Around the area, people are doing the best they can to stay cool.  FOX found park-goers with extra water and sports drinks trying to stay cool.  And of course, area pools are packed to the max as the temperatures rise.

While some have the option of hiding out in the AC on hot summer days like these, others have no choice but to brave the scorching temperatures.  FOX 5 found a crew working on a gas line along Buford Highway, and they told us they do what they can to stay cool when temperatures soar.  They said their work sometimes requires fireproof suits, which add another 20-30 degrees to their temperatures.  They say they take breaks and try to stay hydrated in an effort to make it through the day. 

Firefighters are among those who are impacted the most in a heat wave.  On Thursday night, three firefighters were overcome by the heat while battling flames at a Marietta apartment complex.  Officials say the hot weather means there will have to be more personnel at each emergency to serve as backup.


AC on the fritz?
A mid-summer heat wave is no time for your air conditioning to go out, but that's what happens to many people.  In fact, mechanic Fred Shope of Auto Cool Repair Shop told FOX 5 they're often extra busy when the temperatures are on the rise.  Shope says most people don't have a real appreciation for their AC until it goes out on a 100-degree day. 

So what should you do if your AC isn't running right?  Shope says shut it off.  He says you're likely to make it worse if you run your air when it's not working like it should, so you're better off to turn it off and get it checked instead.  If you don't, it could cost you more in the end.  Shope says the average cost of an AC repair is $300.


Tips to stay cool

If you're spending time outside in the heat, it's important to stay cool.  Experts recommend you drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol and sugary drinks.  You should also wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothes, and take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning if possible.  You should also avoid being outside during the late afternoon when temperatures are excessively hot, and limit your activity to early morning or late evening instead.

Also, don't leave kids or children outside for long periods of time because they may be more susceptible to heat exhaustion.

Read more at myfox.