DETROIT (WWJ) -- Forecasters are warning of dangerously high heat, as temperatures spike in Metro Detroit this weekend and into next week.
The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Warning, in effect starting Sunday morning, through Tuesday evening. The alert covers all of Southeast Michigan and the entire WWJ Newsradio 950 listening area, including Macomb, Wayne, Oakland, Washtenaw and Monroe counties.
A Heat Advisory has also been issued for all of Southeast Michigan from 2 p.m. Saturday through 8 p.m. Sunday, with heat index values (aka the "feels like" temperature) up to 102° expected.
The Metro Detroit area could see record high temperatures, as the NWS warns consecutive days of heat indices near or above 100° combined with overnight lows remaining in the 70s will lead to dangerous conditions.
AccuWeather Meteorologist Joe Lundberg says the heat index will reach well over 100°.
"It's going to be the hottest Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, with temperatures easily mid-90s each day, and AccuWeather real-feel temperatures I think at or over 100," Lundberg said. "So, each of those three days are going to be downright brutal."
** IMPORTANT: Do not leave children and pets in unattended vehicles. Car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes. **
Heat related illnesses so increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events.
Dr. Erin Brennan, Vice Chief of Emergency Medicine at DMC's Detroit Receiving Hospital, said our bodies aren't used to the heat yet, as this is the first real stretch of hot weather.
She told WWJ's Taylor Dietz she does expect an influx of patients in the ER, with heat stroke a concern for people who spend time outdoors.
"When we get these conditions in Metro Detroit, we see two things. Either that's like heat emergency type situation, or what we call heat stroke...the first one being less severe than the second," Brennan explained.
"A heat emergency would be somebody who has been out in the heat too long. They're overheated, but they're still acting pretty normally. They're still sweating some, and they just need to get someplace and get cooled down.
"Heat stroke is a much more severe manifestation of that heat urgency, heat emergency. When people start getting confused and altered, they stop sweating and their body temperature rises to dangerous levels."
When heat stroke occurs, Brennan a person is in immediate risk of life- threatening injury, and they need to get into someplace cool and be actively cool downed as soon as possible.
To prepare for extreme heat, the following is advised:
(via Michigan State Police)
• Stay informed by monitoring local weather forecasts.
• Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with blinds, shades, or awnings to reduce heat entering your home.
• Identify nearby air-conditioned locations or cooling centers in your community.
• Check regularly on elderly family members, young children, neighbors, and pets.
If you work or spend time outdoors:
• Schedule strenuous activities for early morning or late evening when temperatures are lower.
• Take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunscreen.
• Stay hydrated by drinking water consistently throughout the day.
To prevent heat illness:
• Drink plenty of water; avoid alcohol and caffeine which can contribute to dehydration.
• Limit vigorous activity, especially during peak heat hours.
• Use fans and air conditioning whenever possible.
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