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How To Stay Safe When It Feels Like 108 Degrees On Sunday

Brian Kirkpatrick | Texas Public Radio
Jefferson Bank sign showing 102 degrees.

The National Weather Service reports a high pressure system has stalled over south Texas allowing a dome of hot air to remain over San Antonio. 

Forecasters said heat and humidity will make it feel around 108 degrees on Sunday.

To make matters worse, state officials have declared an Ozone Action Day for Saturday.  San Antonians are encouraged to out off moving and vehicle refueling until after 6 p.m. and to avoid long engine idling times to reduce air pollution.

The National Weather Service reports a rare cool front will push into the area overnight Sunday.  Daytime highs on Monday may remain in the upper 80s.

Metro health officials say San Antonians need to double up their efforts to stay cool, especially those who work outdoors.  Take breaks in the shade, wear a hat, dress lightly, hydrate with plenty of water and avoid alcohol.

Health officials say the best way to avoid heat related illness or death is air conditioning. Young children and the elderly and those with chronic illnesses are most at risk.

Seek medical treatment if you are red, hot, not sweating and have a very strong or weak pulse, along with nausea and confusion.

Animal Care Services has also released some tips to help your pets through the heat wave:

Fresh water and shelter should always be available.

Shade is not just a good idea for outdoor pets; it’s the law. As are access to fresh water and shelter beyond the all-day available shade. Chain tethers are not allowed.

Pets most at risk from overheating include: young, elderly or overweight pets, those with a short muzzle or those with thick or dark colored coats.

A shaded parking spot offers little to no protection on a sunny day and cracking the window “a little bit” does very little to reduce the temperature inside a parked car. It takes only ten minutes for the interior of a car to reach 102 degrees on an average 85 degree day and in 30 minutes, that temperature can reach 120 degrees or more.

It is illegal for dogs to ride unsecured in the back of trucks and these pets face the same heat stroke risks as pets locked in cars in addition to the threat of burned paws and accidental falls in transport.

Symptoms of heat stress include excessive thirst, heavy panting, glazed eyes, vomiting, restlessness, lethargy, fever, dizziness, a rapid heartbeat, profuse drooling or salivating and unconsciousness.

If an animal does show signs of heat stress, gradually lower their body temperature and get them to a vet immediately.

Mind your pets around water — most pets are not natural swimmers and any pet can easily tire and drown.

Brian Kirkpatrick can be reached at Brian@TPR.org and on Twitter at @TPRBrian.