Workers take precautions in preparation for Saturday’s heat
Dew points refer to the amount of moisture in the air. On Saturday, they are expected to rise above 70.
LA CROSSE (WKBT) — On Saturday, temperatures above 90 degrees are expected in the La Crosse area, in addition to dew points above 70.
Dew points refer to the amount of moisture in the air.
The body has a harder time cooling itself when dew points are higher, which could leave people at more of a risk for heat-related issues, according to National Weather Service Meteorologist Jeff Boyne.
“When you have high moisture the moisture tends to not go away from the body as much,” Boyne said. “The body is unable to cool itself like it normally would,” he added.
Boyne also said that heat indices above 100 are expected on Saturday, with the worst of the heat expected from 1 p.m. until about 7 p.m. in the evening.
Anyone working outside this weekend should drink plenty of water, take frequent breaks and wear light colors that reflect the sun, Boyne said.
“Heat will basically creep up on you, it’s a silent-type killer a lot of times,” he added.
Construction Worker Brian Gaffney said he’s going to be working on Saturday. He plans to drink extra water while watching over his co-workers on job sites.
“You try to look out for guys you’re working with,” he said.
According to the National Weather Service, from 2000 to 2020, at least 11 people in the La Crosse area died as a result of a heat-related issue.
Boyne said people should avoid alcohol amid the intense heat and instead drink water. He also believes sugary beverages should be avoided.
“What is in the beer causes the body to build more heat up,” Boyne said.
Boyne added that if someone is outside in the heat for a long time and isn’t sweating, it’s a signal that they’re dealing with a heat-related problem.
“Sometimes the body will just stop producing sweat and that’s one of the first signs you start looking for that a person is starting to have issues,” he said.
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