CARIBOU Maine — Officials at the National Weather Service in Caribou are warning residents not to spend extended periods of time in the sun as temperatures soar into the 90s this 4th of July week.
The hot weather began on Sunday, when a high of 84 degrees was reported in Houlton, 83 in Caribou and 81 in Frenchville. It hit 87 degrees in Bangor Sunday.
Meteorologists with the National Weather have forecast hot and humid conditions to persist through Thursday with temperatures in the 90s, possibly reaching 100, predicted to last throughout the week, according to the weather service.
“The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity
will combine to create a situation in which heat illnesses are
possible,” the service warns in its heat advisory and hazardous weather outlook.
On Wednesday, July 4, predictions call for a mostly sunny day in The County, with high temperatures near 90 degrees, according to forecasters.
The hazardous weather outlook is in effect from Tuesday through Sunday for Down East, central, eastern, and northern parts of the state.
Studies and research conducted by the Northeast Regional Heat Collaborative and others show that extreme heat is a major public health threat. Residents of the Northeast are more vulnerable, because they are less physiologically adapted to extreme heat and buildings and other infrastructure are not built to counteract extremely high temperatures. Additionally, air conditioning use in Northern New England, the best protection against extreme heat, is lower than in other parts of the country.
On hot days, residents should slow down and reduce strenuous activities and always wear lightweight, light-colored clothing, the collaborative urges. In addition, folks should drink plenty of water, non-alcoholic and decaffeinated fluids and spend more time in air-conditioning. Those who must be outside should seek shade and limit activities to early morning or late evening.
The American Red Cross noted that adults age 65 and older, those with chronic medical conditions, people who work outside, and infants and children are at greater risk of developing a heat-related illness.
Safety officials remind members of the public never to leave children, disabled adults, or pets in parked vehicles. Residents also are urged to check on their relatives and neighbors.
