What to know as dangerous heat grips Northeast Ohio

What to know as dangerous heat grips Northeast Ohio

A major heat wave that began Monday will reach its boiling point over the next few days.

Why it matters: Heat stress is the top weather-related cause of death in the U.S.

  • It is especially dangerous for older adults, children and people with medical conditions like diabetes, asthma and heart disease.

    • Driving the news: The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a heat advisory for Northeast Ohio counties through Thursday evening.

  • The local forecast calls for temperatures above 90 degrees through Friday, with highs approaching or surpassing daily records.

    • Heat index values — or "feels like" temperatures — are expected to exceed 100 degrees.

  • The city of Cleveland has extended hours at several recreation centers to serve as "cooling centers" through Friday.

    • What they're saying: "Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses," NWS warns.

  • "Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun and check up on relatives and neighbors."
  • Cleveland Clinic's tips for preventing heat exhaustion, including staying hydrated, limiting physical activity and wearing "loose-fitting or vented clothes."

    • An additional threat: Record temperatures can lead to high energy demand that can overload local transformers and the electrical grid.

  • A similar heat wave last summer left tens of thousands of Northeast Ohio residents without power for days.

    • The big picture: Cities from Minneapolis and Chicago to Nashville and Atlanta will also be under extreme heat risk this week.

  • Temperature records were set in the U.K. and France last week as a deadly heat wave gripped much of Europe.

    • What's next: Temperatures are expected to drop slightly over the weekend, but will remain high as residents celebrate Independence Day.