Last month, Delaware County 911 experienced a surge in calls related to the heat as a heat wave hit Ohio, with temperatures reaching over 90 degrees for a week in June. The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory, warning of heat indexes surpassing 100 degrees on some days. The extreme temperatures led to an increase in heat-related medical calls, with 20 reported between June 1 and July 2, compared to only four during the same period the previous year. Director Lauren Yankanin reported 12 heat-related illness calls during the peak of the heat wave, significantly higher than the one call during the same time frame in 2023.
According to the National Weather Service, the unusually high temperatures were nearly 10-15 degrees above normal for this time of year, with the peak of the heat wave hitting 96 degrees on June 21. The forecast for July predicts an increased likelihood of above-normal temperatures across the Ohio Valley, with an average temperature of 75.4 degrees and a normal high of 85.4 degrees.
With temperatures on the rise, it is important for residents to take precautions to stay safe during periods of extreme heat. Delaware County residents are urged to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, and check on vulnerable populations such as the elderly and young children. As the summer heat continues, it is essential to be vigilant and prepared for the challenges that high temperatures can bring.
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