Why you should consider canceling your outdoor plans this weekend

DENVER (KDVR) — Anyone with outside plans for July 12, 13 and 14 may want to reconsider them, because the hot temperatures in the forecast could be extremely dangerous, according to the National Weather Service.

According to the Pinpoint Weather team, Denver is likely to hit 100 degrees on Friday, which will mark the first of three days to be declared Pinpoint Weather Alert Days for the heat.

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With this heat in mind, the NWS issued a heat advisory for much of the Front Range including the Denver metro area, Boulder, Fort Collins and Greeley.

The advisories last from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. each day, and high temperatures could range from 98 to 103 degrees, depending on where you are.

Why this might impact plans

High heat can cause heat-related illnesses, which can be extremely dangerous and potentially life-threatening.

In its advisory, the NWS specifically warned people to stay in an air-conditioned room and to stay out of the sun during the heat advisory.

For those who need to be outside, the NWS suggested that people take extra precautions by wearing lightweight and loose-fitting clothing and limiting strenuous activity to the early morning or evening.

According to a tool developed by the NWS in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Denver and the surrounding areas could see major to extreme impacts from the heat over the weekend.

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This means that people should, in some cases, strongly consider canceling outdoor activities scheduled during the hottest parts of the day.

People should also make sure to stay hydrated and use air conditioning if they have it or find a place that does, as fans might not be adequate.

People should also consider checking in on their neighbors, as the level of heat could be deadly for those without proper cooling systems.

The following are some of the symptoms of heat-related illnesses to look out for, according to the CDC:

  • Heat stroke

    • Body temperature of 103 degrees or higher

    • Headache, dizziness or confusion

    • Losing consciousness

  • Heat exhaustion

    • Heavy sweating

    • Cold, pale and clammy skin

    • Tiredness, weakness or dizziness

    • Fainting

  • Heat cramps

    • Heavy sweating during intense exercise

    • Muscle pain or spasms

  • Heat rash

    • Red clusters of small blisters on the skin

Heat stroke in particular is a medical emergency, and people should call 911 if they or anyone they know exhibit symptoms of it.

According to the CDC, after calling 911, people should move the affected person to a cooler place, help lower their temperature with a cool cloth or bath and not give them anything to drink.

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