Beat the coming heat

Century mark temperatures will impact Quay County mid-week once again following a record-breaking weekend of high temperatures for the area, according to Albuquerque's National Weather Service officials.

High temperatures are typical for this time of year, said Annette Mokry, meteorologist, adding that a high pressure system remains in place, continuing to deflect any potential storm systems from moving into the area. She said there is a 20 percent chance of isolated thunderstorms on Wednesday and during the weekend.

Today's high temperature for Quay County is forecast at 103 degrees, with temperatures set to return to triple digits on Thursday (102) and Friday (101).

Morky said on Saturday the record high for Tucumcari was broken with a temperature of 109 degrees. She said the record high previously recorded in 1977 was 106 degrees.

During high temperatures, residents should avoid prolonged exposure to the heat, said Haily Wallace, a physician at Dan C. Trigg Memorial Hospital, PMG Clinic.

Wallace said residents planning activities during the heat of the day should make sure there is some type of shelter and stay hydrated by drinking water and avoiding drinks with caffeine and alcohol. She said alcohol and caffeine are diuretics, that will cause increased urination leading to additional fluid loss.

Wallace said residents should also take precautions against sun burns by wearing a sunblock with an SPF of 30 or higher. She said there are several health related issues a person can suffer from prolonged exposure to high heat.

Wallace said residents should pay close attention to themselves and others for symptoms of heat related sickness. She said symptoms can be nausea, vomiting and muscle cramps; some of the symptoms will improve when you get out of the heat or drink water. However, if you don't see improvement within 30 minutes, you need to go to the ER for evaluation and treatment.

Wallace said it is important to check on the elderly, especially those without air-conditioning. She said it is also important to remember to never leave children in vehicles even if it is for just a few minutes.

While state and federal websites advise for heat precautions for the young, elderly and residents with underlying health conditions, there is another group in need of care during high temperatures.

It is very important to make sure your animals have plenty of water, shade and if possible, a body of water to help keep them cool, said Jean P. Corey, veterinarian.

Corey said even the animals inside the house can suffer from heat related issues if proper precautions are not taken. She said the temperature needs to monitored inside the home, especially in mobile homes. Mobile homes do not have as much insulation to protect animals from the heat, Corey added.

The Red Cross lists tips for preparing for a high heat watch/warning on their website:

• Listen to local weather forecasts and stay aware of upcoming temperature changes.

• Be aware of both the temperature and the heat index. The heat index is the temperature the body feels when the effects of heat and humidity are combined.

• Discuss heat safety precautions with members of your household. Have a plan for wherever you spend timeS - home, work and schools — and prepare for power outages.

• Check the contents of your emergency disaster kit in case a power outage occurs.

• Know those in your neighborhood who are elderly, young, sick or overweight. They are more likely to become victims of excessive heat and may need help.

• If you do not have air conditioning, choose places you can go for relief from the heat during the warmest part of the day, such as schools, libraries, theaters and malls.