June 21-24, 2024 - Prolonged Period of Excessive Heat Expected

The National Weather Service has issued a Hazardous Weather Advisory for our area.

A prolonged period of hot weather is expected through this coming weekend into next Monday. Heat index values of above 100 degrees will be common this weekend, with heat index readings of 103 to 108 on Sunday. These types of heat index values may be dangerous to those outdoors. Additional excessive heat is possible on Wednesday.

Heat is one of the leading weather-related killers in the United States, resulting in hundreds of fatalities each year. Check in with friends and relatives who fall in one of these populations (below), especially if they don’t have air conditioning.

  • Young children and infants are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illness and death, as their bodies are less able to adapt to heat than are adults. 
  • Older adults, particularly those with pre-existing diseases, take certain medications, are living alone or with limited mobility who are exposed to extreme heat can experience multiple adverse effects.
  • People with chronic medical conditions are more likely to have a serious health problem during a heat wave than healthy people.
  • Pregnant women are also at higher risk. Extreme heat events have been associated with adverse birth outcomes such as low birth weight, preterm birth, and infant mortality, as well as congenital cataracts.

It is NEVER safe to leave a child, disabled person, or pet locked in a car, even in the winter. If you have a toddler in your household, lock your cars, even in your own driveway. Kids play in cars or wander outside and get into a car and can die in 10 minutes!

Fluvanna County Emergency Management will continue to monitor local weather conditions, including heat advisories and warnings and will take appropriate action to safeguard those most vulnerable to heat exposure throughout the coming days and the entire summer season.

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