Elderly, ill at risk with high temps starting Thursday

NILES

A nearly weeklong heat wave, with temperatures in the 90s for several days predicted to start Thursday, can be particularly dangerous to the elderly and people with chronic illnesses.

Rising temperatures can lead to high risk factors, especially when it comes to dehydration in older adults, said Lisa Solley, chief of community relations, wellness and training for the Area Agency on Aging 11 Inc.

Heat is one of the leading weather-related killers in the United States, resulting in hundreds of fatalities each year and even more heat-related illnesses, officials said.

Eric Wilhelm, chief meteorologist for 21 WFMJ-TV, The Vindicator’s broadcast partner, said the high temperature will be 90 degrees or higher through Sunday, with Friday likely the most uncomfortable day because of the high humidity pushing up the heat index.

“The heat index, which takes into account the temperature and the humidity, is the temperature that your body thinks it is when it’s trying to cool you off,” Wilhelm said.

Read more about the situation and tips to stay well in Thursday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.