Residents will want to limit their outdoor activities and stay hydrated this weekend as the Mountain State's first summer heat wave moves in.
Nick Webb, meteorologist at the National Weather Service office in Charleston, said that the heat index, which measures the real-feel of the temperature, is expected to rise above 100 degrees and temperatures will likely fluctuate in the mid to low 90s.
The less mountainous regions of the state will be the most affected, Webb said, with the heat running along Interstate 64 from Huntington to Charleston and possibly up to Point Pleasant.
The high temperatures could last into the beginning of next week, Webb said, tapering off sometime Monday or Tuesday.
This is the first official heat wave of the summer, he said. Heat waves are characterized by three or more days of 90 degree or higher temperatures.
It's suggested that all outdoor activities be limited, Webb said, and that anyone outside for a prolonged period of time find ways to stay cool and hydrated. Special attention should be given to the elderly and outdoor pets should be brought inside.
There is a possibility that the heat wave may be broken by Saturday showers, but Webb said residents shouldn't count on it.
The Kanahwa-Charleston Health Department reiterated and expanded upon Webb's tips to combat the extreme heat. Residents should drink water and avoid alcoholic or sugary drinks, according to an infographic from the department. It is also recommended for residents without air conditioning to visit a shopping mall or public library to cool off, which the department said should help your body stay cool when you dive back into the heat.
Electric fans, while usually comfortable, are unlikely to do much at such high temperatures. Instead, the infographic suggests taking a cool shower or bath. Lightweight clothing is also recommended and the department urges residents to not leave children or animals in a vehicle for any period of time.
Those at risk of heat exhaustion should be checked up on twice a day, the department said, and adults should keep an eye on infants and young children at all times for signs of overheating. Outdoor exercise should be cut down and two to four glasses of cool, nonalcoholic fluids should be drank every hour when exercising.
While the scalding weather could put a damper on residents' weekend plans, Kanawha County residents can beat the heat at a number of local parks. The pools at Coonskin Park near Charleston and Shawnee Park near Dunbar will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day this weekend. The new Magic Island splash pad is sure to be a popular destination as well, and is open every day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Volunteers throughout the state assisting with flood relief efforts will want to watch out for the rising temperatures. This weekend, Volunteer West Virginia is leading a push to finish cleaning the remaining homes devastated by last month's flood, said Gina Namay, disasters services coordinator for the organization.
Namay said that Volunteer West Virginia is requesting that all volunteers keep water on hand, wear sunscreen and take breaks as needed.
Reach Jared Casto at jared.casto@wvgazettemail.com, 304-348-4832 or follow @JaredCasto on Twitter.