Dangerous summer heat continues across a large portion of Arkansas, and residents are being urged to take precautions as heat index values could climb as high as 114 degrees.
The National Weather Service in Little Rock says an Extreme Heat Warning remains in effect until 8 p.m. Sunday, August 16, for portions of central, eastern, north-central and southeast Arkansas.
Counties included in the warning are Randolph, Independence, Lawrence, Jackson, Faulkner, White, Woodruff, Pulaski, Lonoke, Prairie, Monroe and Arkansas counties.
Communities affected include Pocahontas, Batesville, Walnut Ridge, Hoxie, Newport, Conway, Searcy, Beebe, Cabot, Lonoke, Des Arc, Hazen, Augusta, McCrory, Little Rock, North Little Rock, Stuttgart, De Witt, Brinkley, Clarendon, De Valls Bluff, Cotton Plant and Attica.
Forecasters say dangerously hot conditions combined with high humidity could push heat index values to around 114 degrees in some locations.
The National Weather Service warns that heat-related illnesses increase significantly during periods of extreme heat and high humidity.
Residents should drink plenty of fluids, spend as much time as possible in air-conditioned buildings and stay out of direct sunlight. People are also encouraged to check on relatives, friends and neighbors, particularly older adults and others who may be more vulnerable to extreme heat.
Anyone who must spend time outside should wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and take frequent breaks. Strenuous outdoor work and exercise should be limited when possible to the early morning or evening hours when temperatures are lower.
People working outdoors should consider using a buddy system so someone is available to recognize signs of heat-related illness and get help if necessary.
Residents should also make sure their air-conditioning systems and fans are operating properly and be prepared for the possibility of power outages during periods of high electricity demand.
Families should have food, drinking water and necessary medications available and know where they can go to cool down if their home loses air conditioning. Residents without reliable air conditioning should check with local officials about cooling centers or other public locations where they can escape the heat.
Health officials recommend learning the warning signs of both heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Heat exhaustion can include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea and muscle cramps. Anyone experiencing symptoms should move to a cooler location, rest and drink fluids.
Heat stroke is a medical emergency and can include confusion, loss of consciousness and an extremely high body temperature. Immediate medical assistance should be sought when heat stroke is suspected.
Pet owners should also take precautions. Animals should have access to fresh water and shade and should never be left inside a parked vehicle, even for a short period of time.
The National Weather Service says residents should remain vigilant throughout the warning period and continue monitoring forecasts as dangerous heat persists across Arkansas.
The Extreme Heat Warning is currently scheduled to remain in effect until 8 p.m. Sunday.
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