Dear Friend,  

A heat wave is forecast to hit Michigan this weekend and early next week, and I want to remind you of some important precautions to keep yourself and your loved ones safe, especially the elderly and those with health conditions. 

Nothing beats a Pure Michigan summer, and as we begin to enjoy it, let’s take action to stay safe when temperatures get too hot like they will over the next few days. With high temperatures expected to be in 90s and heat index values near and above 100 degrees, I encourage everyone to review the tips below on how to stay cool and safe. 

Keep a close eye on older relatives and neighbors, children, and pets, especially as heat and humidity reach high levels on Sunday and Monday. Check out the resources available to you in your community to stay cool and ask for help if you need it. 

Together, we will stay prepared and stay safe all summer long. 

Gretchen Whitmer

Governor 

The National Weather Service is expecting hot and humid conditions for Saturday morning through Tuesday evening. The hottest days are expected Sunday and Monday with temperatures in the high 90s and heat index values above 100 degrees. 

When it is very hot, there is an increased risk of heat-related illness, including heat exhaustion. If not treated, heat exhaustion can worsen and lead to heat stroke or death. Humidity can make high temperatures feel even hotter. These conditions make it harder for the body to sweat and cool itself down. In addition to the daily temperature, residents should pay attention to the daily heat index, which gives a more accurate picture of how hot it feels outside. 

To stay healthy when it is hot, residents are encouraged to: 

• Drink more fluids and avoid liquids with large amounts of sugar or alcohol. 

• Limit outdoor activities to when it is coolest in the early morning and late evening. 

• Spend time indoors in air conditioning. 

• Check to make sure your air conditioner filters are clean and the unit is working properly. 

• Wear lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothing. 

• Wear sunscreen, as sunburn affects a body’s ability to cool down. 

• Check on elderly neighbors and relatives to determine if they need assistance. 

• Never leave children or pets unattended in cars, even with the windows cracked. 

• Call 211 or contact your local health department to locate a cooling center in your area. 

• In addition to reaching out to Michigan 211 to locate cooling centers, residents can also spend some time at an air-conditioned store, shopping mall or other public building – even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help. 

Heatstroke occurs when the body is unable to regulate its temperature and can result in death if not treated promptly. If you suspect someone has heatstroke, call 911 for immediate medical help and try to cool the person down by moving to a cooler environment and using cool cloths or a cool bath. Signs of heat-related illness vary but may include: 

• Heavy sweating, Muscle cramps, Weakness, Confusion, Slurred speech, Dizziness, Headache, Nausea, Vomiting, Fainting, High body temperature (above 103 degrees), Tiredness. 

For more information about how to protect yourself and your loved ones from heat-related illness, see the MDHHS Heat Awareness and Safety Fact Sheet, which is also available in Spanish.

To help keep your community safe, consider checking on your neighbors and those in a high-risk group, and never leave anyone or an animal in an unattended vehicle. 

While anyone’s health can be impacted, those most at risk include those without access to cooling or adequate hydration. Additional high-risk groups include: pregnant people, older people, children, people with chronic conditions such as diabetes, respiratory disease, and cardiovascular disease, those on certain medications such as certain antipsychotics, certain antidepressants and diuretics, people who live alone, and those who may be more exposed to heat including: outdoor workers, low-income individuals and people who exercise outside. 

For those without access to air conditioning, call 211 or contact your local health department to find out if there is a cooling center nearby. You can also spend some time at an air-conditioned store, shopping mall, or other public building – even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help.