Excessive heat watch in effect for southeast Michigan

Much of southeast Michigan — from just south of Flint to the state lines with Ohio and Indiana — was put under an excessive heat watch Wednesday through Thursday morning as the warm front is forecast to move east.

Temperatures are expected to approach the upper 90s Wednesday, with high humidity pushing the heat index to around 105.

Excessive Heat Watch Remains In Effect For Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/mor9PRNJ5K

— NWS Detroit (@NWSDetroit) June 14, 2022

Tips to stay safe

The state health department is urging residents to take steps to protect themselves from heat exhaustion and heat stroke this week amid the high temperatures.

“Young children, older adults and those who have medical conditions are at increased risk for heat-related illness, so be sure to check frequently on them and others in your community who may need additional assistance,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ chief medical executive, in a statement. “Limit time in heat, stay hydrated, avoid direct sunlight and find somewhere with air conditioning or take cool showers. Text or call 211 or contact your local health department to locate a cooling center in your area.”

Other precautions residents can take:

• Limit outdoor activities to when it is coolest in the morning and evening.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing.
• Wear sunscreen, as sunburn affects a body’s ability to cool down.

In addition to staying hydrated and out of the sun, residents are reminded to never leave children or pets alone in a car even with the windows cracked open. Temperatures inside a car can easily be double the temperature outside.

Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are both forms of heat-related illness. Heatstroke occurs when the body is unable to regulate its temperature and can result in death if not treated promptly. Humidity can make temperatures feel even hotter and further stress the body’s ability to self-regulate. If you suspect someone has heatstroke, call 911 for immediate medical help and try to cool the person down. Signs of heat-related illness vary but may include:

• Heavy sweating
• Muscle cramps
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fainting
• Extremely high body temperature (above 103°F)
• Tiredness

Cooling centers open across metro Detroit

Detroit

The City of Detroit is opening cooling centers through Thursday at seven recreation centers across the city. The city says the centers will be open whenever there is a heat emergency.

The following centers are open to residents:

• Adams Butzel Complex, 10500 Lyndon (8 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday)
• Farwell Recreation Center, 2711 E. Outer Drive (11  a.m.– 7 p.m. Monday through Friday; not open Saturdays)
• Lasky Recreation Center, 13200 Fenelon (1-9 p.m. Monday through Friday; not open Saturdays)
• Patton Recreation Center, 2301 Woodmere (8 a.m. – 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday)
• Kemeny Recreation Center, 2260 S. Fort (8 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m.)
• Crowell Recreation Center, 16630 Lahser (1-9 p.m. Monday through Friday; not open Saturdays)
• Heilmann Recreation Center, 19601 Crusade (8 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m.-6  p.m. Saturday)

Residents can also find relief at seven branch locations of The Detroit Public Library. All branches are open 10AM – 8PM Monday through Thursday and from 10AM – 6PM Friday. Capacity is limited to 50% and visitors are limited to two hours to slow the spread of COVID-19:

• Main Library, 5201 Woodward Ave.
• Campbell Branch, 8733 W. Vernor Hwy.
• Edison Branch, 18400 Joy Road
• Jefferson Branch, 12350 E. Outer Dr.
• Parkman Branch, 1766 Oakman Blvd.
• Redford Branch, 21200 W. Grand River Ave.
• Wilder Branch, 7140 E. Seven Mile Road

Royal Oak
The Salter Center, 1545 E. Lincoln Ave., is open from 8:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday
The Senior Center, 3500 Marais Ave., will be available from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Wednesday and from 9 a.m.-8:15 p.m. Thursday.

Westland

The City of Westland has opened several cooling centers that will also serve as charging locations for phones or electronic devices.

Schools closing

The Detroit Public Schools Community District is closing schools three hours earlier Wednesday through Friday because of high temperatures. Many school buildings do not have air conditioning. Dearborn schools plan to close all schools Wednesday but will reopen Thursday when forecasts predict a lower heat index.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.