4-day scorcher hottest since 1895

The University of Virginia’s McCormick Observatory on Tuesday recorded a high temperature of 97 degrees for the fourth consecutive day — the hottest four-day period this early in the year since 1895.

“The occurrence of such high temperatures so early in the year is relatively unusual,” said Jerry Stenger, research coordinator with UVa’s Office of Climatology. “For all intents and purposes, it’s a heat wave.”

The University of Virginia has kept records of local temperatures since 1894. Similar heat waves were recorded in May 1941 and June 1999, when temperatures climbed into the high 90s for extended periods.

On city streets, Stenger said, it is likely to be even hotter because building materials such as concrete, metal and asphalt absorb the heat and release it during the day. This is called the “urban warming effect” or “urban heat island effect.”

Charlottesville is taking measures to help residents beat the heat.

On Tuesday the city designated the Tonsler Park and Carver recreation centers as “cooling centers,” where water and air conditioning were accessible for the public. The cooling centers will be open again today.

Three Virginia residents have already died from heat-related illnesses, though none was from Charlottesville, according to a news release from the city.

Toni Dowell, who lives a few blocks from Tonsler Park, came to the center Tuesday to cool down and play some pool. Unlike some of her neighbors, Dowell does not have air conditioning in her home. “It’s hotter in my house than it is outside,” she said. “At least [outside] you get a breeze.”

“This is June and look at this … I could sweat off my eyebrows,” she said.

Edward Meyers, director of the emergency department at the UVa hospital, saw an influx of four to six patients Monday with heat cramps and heat exhaustion. Meyers said the conditions can usually be treated by cooling patients and giving them plenty of water and sports drinks, which replace electrolytes in the body.

For some patients a saline IV is needed to restore the normal balance of salts and water in the body.

Meyers said heat stroke is the most severe heat-related illness that occurs when the body temperature is too high, but he has not seen any cases of heat stroke so far this year.

Meyers said it’s important for people to drink plenty of water and to stay cool. He said the very young and the very old should be particularly careful because their bodies are less able to regulate heat.

Martha Jefferson Hospital has had only one patient with dehydration during the hot stretch.

Stenger said the heat wave, which was caused by humidity from the Gulf of Mexico, should break today when a low-pressure system moves in. He expects the high temperature to drop 10 degrees today — to the upper 80s — and thunderstorms are possible.

SIGNS OF HEAT STRESS

The heat can cause serious health problems. The three most common:

Heat stroke — Caused when body temperature rises quickly, sweating stops and the body is unable to cool down. Body temperatures can climb as high as 106 degrees in 15 minutes. Death or permanent disability can result. If you suspect someone is suffering heat stroke, call 911 and immerse the person in a cool shower or tub of water until help arrives.

Heat exhaustion — Caused when the body loses too much water and salt from sweating. People who work outside, who have high blood pressure and the elderly are most at risk. Symptoms include a fast, weak pulse; paleness; muscle cramps; dizziness and headache. Treatment involves cooling off and seeking medical attention if symptoms worsen or persist more than an hour.

Heat cramps — Caused when people sweat profusely during physical activity. Painful muscle cramps can result as the body depletes its salt and fluid. Symptoms include muscle cramps in the stomach, legs or arms. If they occur during swimming, they can be dangerous. Treatment involves resting for several hours and drinking juice or sports beverages. Medical treatment is needed if the heat cramps haven’t subsided in an hour.

— Virginia Department of Health