Heat Advisories Continue for Arkansas Ozarks

An Excessive Heat Warning remains until 7 p.m. Friday for Benton and Washington counties in Arkansas. A Heat Advisory has been issued until 7 p.m. Thursday for Baxter, Boone, Cleburne, Fulton, Independence, Izard, Jackson, Marion, Newton, Searcy, Sharp, Stone, and Van Buren counties.

Latest Watches/Warnings From Your Weather Experts

Drought Information Sheet from National Weather Service

Your Health: What to Watch for

Heat exhaustion is the most common heat-related illness and can lead to dehydration. Symptoms include heavy sweating, paleness, tiredness, muscle cramps, weakness, dizziness or fainting, headache, nausea or vomiting. 

A person with these symptoms should move to a cool spot, rest and drink cool water. If symptoms worsen or last longer than an hour, they should seek medical attention.

Heat stroke occurs when the body's temperature climbs to 104F. It can be deadly. Call 911 immediately if a person has symptoms including a high body temperature, red, hot or dry skin, rapid pulse, throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion or unconsciousness.

Basic Tips to Beat the Heat

-Drink plenty of water, even if you do not feel thirsty; avoid drinks that contain alcohol or caffeine. Also, avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps.
-Avoid strenuous work or exercise outside during the hottest part of the day. If that is not practical, take frequent breaks and remember to drink plenty of water.
-Stay in an air-conditioned facility; if your home is not air conditioned, visit a shopping center, public library, community center, cooling center or other air-conditioned facility.
-Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
-Protect yourself from the sun with a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher (the most effective products say "broad spectrum" or "UVA/UVB protection" on their labels).
-Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle.

Although anyone at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others.

Check regularly on infants and young children; people aged 65 or older; people who have a mental illness; those who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure; and don't forget about your pets.

(Information for this story contributed by Springfield-Greene County Health Department & National Weather Service)