T-R PHOTO BY ROBERT MAHARRY The weather ticker at Farmers Savings Bank in downtown Marshalltown reads 94 degrees fahrenheit on Monday afternoon as the heat index soared over 100 degrees. Marshall County is under an extreme heat warning until Wednesday.

The heat is on. The National Weather Service issued an extreme heat warning for Marshall County on Monday, with predicted heat indexes reaching 107 degrees and extending through tomorrow evening. As temperatures climbed into the 90s, the 65 percent humidity made the outdoors feel like it was hotter than 100 degrees.

Marshall County Emergency Management Director Kim Elder said outside the rest of the week will feel like 107 degrees depending on the temperature, sunshine and relative humidity.

“It’s supposed to feel like 103 degrees today and will stay around that,” she said.

The high temperature and humidity is normal for Marshall County at this time of year, Elder added.

“I’m actually surprised we did not have that in June. We were kind of spoiled,” she said. “But it is good corn growing weather, and good RAGBRAI weather.”

When the heat index climbs this high, Elder’s department focuses on working with Marshall County Public Health to notify residents. People should check on friends, family members, the elderly, those who are sick or disabled and also on animals.

“There are people who are more vulnerable or who work outside,” she said. “Most of those people are already aware, but humidity can creep up and you can get sick quickly.”

Marshall County Public Health Director Sydney Grewell said people underestimate how dangerous extreme heat can be.

“High heat index values make it much harder for the body to cool itself, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke,” she said. “While anyone can be affected, older adults, young children, people with chronic medical conditions, outdoor workers and those without access to air conditioning are especially vulnerable. We encourage everyone to take the heat seriously by staying hydrated, limiting time outdoors during the hottest parts of the day, and checking on family members, neighbors and others who may need assistance.”

Grewell suggested that if Marshall County residents do not have access to air conditioning, they should visit the closest library or community building to cool off, especially when peak heat is reached.

The risk of heat-related illnesses increases in high levels of humidity because a person’s body cannot cool down as efficiently because sweat does not evaporate off of the skin.

Grewell said people should limit their time outdoors as much as possible, avoid strenuous activity during peak heat and drink plenty of water. They should avoid sugary drinks, pay attention to their bodies and recognize the signs of heat-related illness.

The two major heat-related illnesses she spoke about was heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

“Both are serious, but heat stroke is a life-threatening medical emergency,” Grewell said.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion are:

Heavy sweating;

Dizziness;

Excessive thirst;

Nausea;

Weakness and;

Headache.

She said that if anyone is experiencing those symptoms, they need to move to a cool place, loosen their clothing and sip cool water.

“If symptoms worsen or do not improve within 30 minutes, seek medical attention, as heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke,” Grewell said.

Heat stroke is much more severe.

“If you suspect someone is experiencing heat stroke, call 911 immediately,” she said. “While waiting for emergency responders, move the person to a cooler area, remove excess clothing and cool them with cold water, ice packs or cool, wet towels.”

Grewell said symptoms of heat stroke are:

Confusion;

Slurred speech;

Loss of consciousness;

A very high body temperature and;

Hot, red skin.

Contact Lana Bradstream at 641-753-6611 ext. 210 or lbradstream@timesrepublican.com.