Heat Storms

Generally, temperatures that hover 10 degrees or more above the average high temperature for the region, last for prolonged periods of time, and are often accompanied by high humidity, that the body cannot tolerate are defined as extreme heat.

Heat Conservation Tips

  • Eliminate non-essential electric consumption;
  • Put air conditioners on timers when home;
  • Set air conditioners at 78 degrees;
  • Use fans to circulate cool air;
  • Set refrigerators/freezers at most efficient temperatures
  • Run major appliances such as clothes and dishwashers in the morning or late evening to avoid the peak demand hours of 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. .

High temperatures and high electric demand could cause some scattered heat-related outages. Conserving electricity will help reduce the potential for outages.

  • Install window air conditioners snugly. Insulate spaces around air conditioners for a tighter fit. An air conditioner with a tight fit around the windows or wall openings will make less noise and allow less hot air in from the outside.
  • Make sure your home is properly insulated. This will help you to conserve electricity and reduce your home's power demands for air conditioning. Weather-strip doors and windowsills to keep cool air inside, allowing the inside temperature to stay cooler longer.
  • During a drought, conserve water by placing a brick, or another large solid object, in your toilet tank to reduce the amount of water used in flushing.
  • Consider keeping storm windows installed throughout the year. Storm windows can keep the heat out of a house in the summer the same way they keep the cold out in the winter.
  • Check air-conditioning ducts for proper insulation. Insulation around ducts prevents cool air from leaking and keeps it directed through the vents.
  • Protect windows. Hang shades, draperies, awnings, or louvers on windows that receive morning or afternoon sun. Outdoor awnings or louvers can reduce the heat entering the house by as much as 80 percent.
  • Use attic fans. If you have a fan installed to vent warm air out of your attic, use the fan to help keep your home cool.

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Terms to Know

  • Heat ADVISORY:
    Issued when the heat index is to exceed 105 degrees (100 degrees for New York City) for less than three hours a day for two consecutive days.
  • Excessive Heat WATCH:
    Issued when it is possible the heat index will exceed 115 degrees for any length of time or when the heat index will exceed 105 degrees for three or more hours for at least two consecutive days.
  • Excessive Heat WARNING:
    Issued when the heat index is expected to exceed 115 degrees for any length of time or when the heat index will exceed 105 degrees for three or more hours for at least two consecutive days.
  • Ozone Health ADVISORY:
    Prolonged period of excessive heat, often combined with excessive humidity.
  • Heat Wave:
    Prolonged period of excessive heat, often combined with excessive humidity.
  • Heat Index:
    A number in degrees Fahrenheit (F) that tells how hot it really feels when relative humidity is added to the actual air temperature.
  • UV Index:
    Forecast of the amount of skin-damaging UV radiation expected to reach the earth's surface at the time when the sun is highest in the sky (solar noon).

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Plan ahead for extreme heat