For the next few days Mississippi State University could face severe high temperatures due to a heat wave that is predicted by weather experts.
MSU Geosciences Professor Mike Brown, who also serves as Mississippi’s state climatologist, said for most of the southeast U.S. we are expecting above normal temperatures and moisture for the next few days.
“Above normal moisture (i.e. higher dew point temperatures) means that our body’s ability to cool itself through sweating will be compromised.  It is the evaporation of sweat that naturally cools our body.  When moisture is high it slows the evaporative process thus slowing the cooling process. This is why we use the Heat Index to describe how hot it feels.  With more moisture in the atmosphere the temperature feels hotter,” Brown said, “With the absence of rain over the past couple of weeks these warmer temperatures coupled with very little cloud cover will stress outdoor plants and grass.”
The Mississippi State Crisis Action team alerted the MSU student and staff body with this approaching development and made aware why the change in temperatures is important. A press release from MSU released on Tuesday said, “A heat wave is an extended period of abnormally and uncomfortably hot and unusually humid weather. A heat wave lasts typically two or more days. These conditions can be dangerous and even life-threatening if the proper precautions are not taken.”
Summerly Brown, graduate student at MSU and also a regular runner said she had heard about the weather advisory and took proper precautions of waiting till 9 p.m. and drinking plenty of water.
“At 9 p.m. the temperature outside still was 87 degrees with the air, thick with humidity. The humidity makes it difficult to run and catch your breath unless you’re an experienced runner,” Brown said, “For years, I have run in summer heat in south Florida but something about this Mississippi heat made my run even more challenging. I was sweating buckets by the end of my 4 miles. With the heat wave in full effect for the rest of the week, I recommend runners choose an easier easy, drink plenty of water, and wait to run in the early morning or late evening.”
Dr. Joyce Yates, Director of Health Education and Wellness at MSU’s health center said to cope with the heat wave temperatures students should increase fluid intake such as water or sports drinks.
“If planning outdoor activities, plan these for early morning or in the evening, wear a sunscreen, stay indoors as much as possible, choose lightweight, easy fitting, loose clothing.” Yates said.
Heat Index is the number in degrees Fahrenheit (F) that tells how hot it feels when relative humidity is added to the air temperature. Exposure to full sunshine can increase the heat index by 15 degrees.
MSU’s press release says, “Heat index values Wednesday (Aug. 20) through the weekend will likely be in the 110-to-115 degree range (that is with the temperature being taken in the shade). In full sun these values could climb to around 125 degrees.”
Brown said students should avoid being outside during the warmest part of the day (2 p.m. to 6 p.m.).
“Reduce the amount of time your pets remain outdoors, be certain you and your pets remain hydrated and remove heat sensitive items, phones, laptops, etc. from automobiles.  Heat related illness and death is avoidable if you recognize the signs of heat exhaustion and use common sense,” Brown said.