With temperatures rising, and humidity climbing too, there is an extreme heat warning for Evansville and the surrounding areas. For those in need, a cooling station has been opened in downtown Evansville.

"It Isn't the Heat. It's the Humidity"

The storm that moved through the area did very little to calm the climbing mercury. In fact, it may have just made it worse with the added moisture and humidity. Anyone who has spent time in our neck of the woods knows the old saying, "it isn't the heat. It's the humidity," to be 100% true.

READ MORE: Protect Yourself From Extreme Heat with These Tips

High Humidity Increases Heat Intolerance

When the humidity is high it can increase the risk of heat intolerance. Our bodies are naturally designed to cool themselves. We sweat or perspire when we get too hot, and when that sweat evaporates from our skin, it cools the body.

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Higher Risk of Heat Stroke or Heat Related Illness

Like most systems, they are only good until they aren't and there is a bit of a design flaw in this one. When it is incredibly humid, with a higher percentage of moisture in the air, our sweat doesn't evaporate as quickly or efficiently, and this can cause us to quickly overheat, leading to a higher likelihood of experiencing heat stroke and other heat related illnesses.

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It Feels Hotter Than It Really Is

Not only does increased humidity reduce our body's ability to cool itself, when you pair the high humidity with high temperatures, it can create an environment that feels much hotter than it already is. So while the thermometer may read 100°, high humidity can easily make it feel like it's 115°.

READ MORE: Extreme Heat Warning Issued Across Evansville Area

High Heat Indexes Can Lead Some to Seek Shelter

That "feels like" temperature is what's known as a heat index, and when the heat index reaches into the triple digits, it's time to take precautions. For some folks that may mean simply staying inside and out of the heat. For others, it may mean the need to leave their home to go somewhere cooler.

City of Evansville Opens Cooling Station

After the storm that swept through the area, many residents have been left without power, and with heat indexes rising into the triple digits, getting out of the hot house and somewhere cooler, will be really important. Fortunately, the City of Evansville has opened up a centrally-located cooling station in downtown.

C.K.Newsome Center Open for Cooling

In a post to Facebook, Evansville Mayor Stephanie Terry announced that a cooling station has been set up at the C.K. Newsome Center to provide relief from the extreme heat. The cooling center will be opened from 8 am until 5 pm, and is located at 100 East Walnut Street.

Stay Cool. Stay Hydrated. Stay Safe.

Wherever you are, stay hydrated and stay safe, and keep reading to learn how you can help protect your four-legged family members from the heat too.

Tip to Protect Pets from Summer Heat

With heat advisories in effect for a large portion of the country, now is the time to ensure you are prepared to keep your pets safe from the summer heat.

Gallery Credit: Kat Mykals

 

 

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