Heat Warning Issued for Western Illinois

The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for Tuesday, August 27, with heat index values forecast as high as 115 degrees in western Illinois. In response to the extreme weather, Western Illinois University has adjusted plans for outdoor events on campus, including the Bonfire Social at Horn Field Campus, which will be held in an air-conditioned lounge or shaded pavilion without a fire. The University will follow best practices for athletic practices and events, and will notify students and staff of any changes.

Key Takeaways:

• The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for western Illinois, with heat index values forecast as high as 115 degrees.
• The University has adjusted plans for the Bonfire Social at Horn Field Campus to take place in an air-conditioned lounge or shaded pavilion without a fire.
• The University will follow best practices for athletic practices and events, and will send a notice to students and staff of any changes.
• The National Weather Service recommends drinking plenty of fluids, staying in an air-conditioned room, staying out of the sun, and checking on relatives and neighbors during heat waves.
• The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments to reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses.
• The University has canceled all outdoor events on the Quad Cities campus.
• Heat-related illnesses increase significantly during hot weather events.
• The University will provide notice to students and staff of any changes to outdoor events or activities.

Statistics:

• Heat index values forecast for western Illinois: up to 115 degrees (National Weather Service).
• Number of outdoor events canceled on the Quad Cities campus: all (Western Illinois University).
• Temperature at which car interiors reach lethal temperatures: a matter of minutes (National Weather Service).
• Number of people at risk for heat-related illnesses during hot weather events: significantly increased (National Weather Service).

Sources:

• National Weather Service - Excessive Heat Warning
• Western Illinois University - News Release
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration - Heat Safety Guide