Heat index values climb as high as 110 degrees Monday

MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all. 

Turn Up Your Support

Extreme heat warnings are posted for central and southern Minnesota Monday with temperatures forecast in the 90s and heat index values 

Physicians across the state expect to see an increase in patients to hospital emergency rooms as people struggle to function in the intense heat.

People caring for children should move them out of the heat if they see signs of confusion, headaches and nausea, Dr. Nita Gupta a pediatric emergency medicine physician at Children’s Minnesota in Minneapolis, told MPR News. In extreme cases, kids may start vomiting or get muscle spasms.

Outside programs like summer camp should not have kids in the sun for more than 20 minutes on Monday, she added.

Kids “should always have a water bottle with some electrolytes with them, or a salty snack with them at all times,” she said. Looser, light-colored garments that can help with sun protection and sweat are also recommended.

Dr. Jesse Bracamonte on the warning signs of heat exhaustion in adults

For seniors, Dr. Jesse Bracamonte, a family physician with the Mayo Clinic in Arizona, said mild symptoms can look like increased sweating, muscle cramps, fatigue and excessive thirst. In extreme cases there can be dizziness, headaches and nausea. 

At that point, it’s time to act, he said. “Seek cool areas, drink lots of fluids. If it's not intervened rapidly it can become a medical emergency, what we call as heat stroke.”

Bracamonte said water and shade is the best combination for seniors. 

To hear more advice from each physician, click the players above.

Weather and Climate News

Health

Shows

Morning Edition

On Air

Cathy Wurzer

Host

Lukas Levin

Author

With temperature extremes reaching a peak Monday, two physicians explain how to avoid emergencies and how to care for children and older adults. 

Dr. Nita Gupta on the warning signs of heat exhaustion in children.

Dr. Nita Gupta on the warning signs of heat exhaustion in children

MPR News - Programs - The warning signs to look for: heat exhaustion in children and adults

Heat exhaustion in children and adults: Here are the warning signs

Go Deeper.

Like this?

News you can use in your inbox