Day 4842

Statement as of 4:30 AM EDT on July 23, 2005

... High heat indices anticipated this weekend and early next week...

The combination of temperatures in the 90s and humid conditions
... Will create heat indices ranging from the upper 90s in northeast
Tennessee and southwest Virginia to near 105 degrees across most of
southeast Tennessee by Monday afternoon.

The heat index is an estimated temperature considering the
additional effects of humid air on the human body. Humid air slows
the cooling effects of evaporation... thereby making it feel hotter
than actual air temperature because perspiration is evaporating less
from your body. Both the temperature and heat index are measured in
the shade. Direct exposure to the sun can add another 15 degrees of
stress to your body.

(Oh boy... 120°F.)

Sunstroke... heat cramps and heat exhaustion will be possible with
prolonged exposure and or physical outdoor activity.

(You mean, like my job?)

Some heat wave safety tips are...

Slow down and try to schedule strenuous outdoor activities during
the coolest times of the day... such as the morning and late evening.

(Which means we will be busiest in the middle of the day.)

Drink plenty of water or other non-alcoholic beverages.

Dress for Summer and avoid getting too much sun. Sunburn makes the
job of heat dissipation that much more difficult.

(Wear Suncreen! Yeah, my mantra)

Spend more time in air conditioned places.

(Instead of outside where I'll be working.)

Remember to think about your pets as well. Make sure your
outside pets have access to shade and plenty of clean water.

Fortunately, I'm somewhat acclimated!

Day 4842: Evening

The heat index reached about 104° F in the shade today... which means in the direct sun it felt like 114° F to 119° F.

(For my friends in other countries or those of you that are uber-scientists that's 40° C; 45.5° C and 48° C respectively.)

I drank a lot of water!