Nashville, TN

Weather Forecast Office

Heat

Heat Danger Beyond Heat Waves
Heat Waves
Protect Yourself Outdoors
Sunburn Safety
PVH: Year-Round
PVH: Strategies
PVH: Always Lock Parked Cars
Heat Exhaustion or Heat Stroke?
Heat Can Escalate Quickly
Vulnerable Populations
Heat Watch vs Warning
Heat Safety
Auto Safety
Helping Others: Extreme Heat
Your Safe Place from Heat

Heat Danger Beyond Heat Waves

Heat can be a deadly weather hazard, even outside of heat waves. In fact, most heat-related deaths occur during milder weather. Don’t let your guard down in typically cooler seasons such as the spring or fall. Stay Weather-Ready!

Heat Danger Beyond Heatwaves: most heat-related deaths occur outside of heat waves. Stay Weather-Ready! Avoid overexertion and stay hydrated. Heat stroke can occur even during moderate heat. Never leave people or pets in a vehicle. Hot car deaths occur year-round. Assistn those who are at higher risk for heat-related illness, including children, pregnant people, and other adults.

Heat Waves

Heat is the leading cause of weather-related fatalities each year. A heat wave is a period of abnormally hot and sometimes humid weather, generally lasting more than a couple of days. Heat waves have the potential to cover a large area, exposing a high number of people to a hazardous combination of heat and humidity, which can be very taxing on the body. During a heat wave, stay indoors in air conditioning.

Stay indoors during heat waves. Stay indoors in air conditioning whenever possible. If your home doesn't have AC, check if your area has a cooling center. Remain hydrated by drinking water and avoiding alcohol. Check on those most vulnerable to heat, including children and the elderly. If you must go outdoors, go early or late in the day, and dress in light-colored clothing.

Protect Yourself Outdoors

When outdoors in the heat, wear lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing to reflect heat and sunlight. If you will be spending time outdoors, hats are also a good idea to protect your face and scalp from harmful UV rays. Also, don’t forget to apply sunscreen liberally.

Protect yourself from heat and sun. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol. Beverages with electrolytes can also help protect against heat stress. Apply sunscreen, SPF 30 or higher, every two hours. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing. Take regular breaks in the shade.

Sunburn Safety

Spending time in the sun on vacation this spring? Apply plenty of sunscreen! Also, keep in mind that heat-related illness is a possibility if you don’t take certain precautions. Find out more about heat-related illnesses and how to prevent them at weather.gov/safety/heat-illness

Don't forget the sunscreen! Use SPF 30 or higher broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen 30 minutes prior to sun exposure. Reapply every two hours and after swimming, sweating, or toweling off. Spend time in the shade and wear light, loose-fitting clothes for maximum protection.

PVH: Year-Round

Children should NEVER be left in a car, no matter the time of year. Vehicular heatstroke has occurred when outside temperatures are below 70°F - sunlight can cause the inside of a car to heat up VERY quickly. Stay Weather-Ready.

PVH: Strategies

Everyone operates on auto-pilot once in a while. Caregivers should have a strategy to ensure that no one is ever forgotten in a hot car. Always be Weather-Ready.

Dont' forget anyone in a hot car. Everyone operates on auto-pilot once in a while. Have a plan! Place a bag or other item in the backseat to remind you of passengers after you park. Place a stuffed animal in the front seat as a reminder to check for passengers. Consider additional methods such as phone alarms, partner/buddy check-ins, or built-in car reminder systems.

PVH: Always Lock Parked Cars

Over 900 children have died inside hot vehicles since 1998. Some of these tragedies were due to children accessing a parked car without supervision. Always lock parked cars, even if you are not a caregiver.

Always lock parked cars. Over 900 children have died inside hot vehicles since 1998. Some were due to children accessing a parked car without supervision. Lock parked cars, even if you are not a caretaker. If you can't find your child, you should always check the car.

Heat Exhaustion or Heat Stroke?

During hot and humid weather, your body's ability to cool itself is challenged in ways you may not expect. When your body heats too rapidly, or when too much fluid or salt is lost through dehydration or sweating, you may experience a heat-related illness. Stay Weather-Ready by learning the symptoms of excessive heat exposure and the appropriate responses.

Heat Can Escalate Quickly

Warm temperatures can quickly rise to dangerous levels — especially in the summer and in parked cars. Stay Weather-Ready and don’t underestimate the heat.

Heat can escalate quickly. Warm temperatures can quickly become dangerous. Heat is one of the most deadly weather hazards - don't underestimate it. Never leave people or pets alone in a car. Drink plenty of water, even if you don't feel thirsty. Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Spend time in air conditioning and in the shade.

Vulnerable Populations

Everyone is at risk from the dangers of extreme heat, but these groups are more vulnerable than most. Ensure that your loved ones and neighbors are safe from the heat and remain Weather-Ready.

Heat Watch vs Warning

An Excessive Heat WATCH means Be Prepared. An Excessive Heat WARNING means Take Action!

Heat Safety

Heat is typically the leading cause of weather-related fatalities each year. Heat waves have the potential to cover a large area, exposing a high number of people to a hazardous combination of heat and humidity, which can be very taxing on the body. Learn how to stay safe during a heat wave at weather.gov/heat

Auto Safety

Never, never, never leave children, disabled or elderly adults, or pets in parked, unattended vehicles! Studies have shown that the temperature inside a parked vehicle can rapidly rise to dangerous levels for people and pets. Leaving the windows slightly open does not significantly decrease the heating rate. The effects can be more severe on children because their bodies have not developed the ability to efficiently regulate internal temperature.

Heat-Related Deaths ARE Preventable. LOOK BEFORE YOU LOCK. The temperature in your car can quickly become deadly!

Helping Others: Extreme Heat

Children, the elderly, and those with chronic illness are especially vulnerable to heat exposure. NEVER leave anyone (or pets) alone in a locked car. Monitor people exercising or playing sports, ensuring frequent breaks. Bring water to outdoor activities with others to keep everyone hydrated. Learn the signs of heat-related illnesses at weather.gov/safety/heat-illness

Helping Others: Extreme Heat. Never leave anyone (or pets) alone in a locked car. Monitor others exercising or playing sports, ensuring frequent breaks. Bring water to outdoor activities to keep everyone hydrated.

Your Safe Place from Heat

Heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths most years. You are generally safe indoors with the AC on while staying hydrated. If you can’t easily get indoors, stay in the shade. Stay Weather-Ready and learn more about heat safety: weather.gov/safety/heat

Your safe place from heat: heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths most years. You are generally safe indoors with the AC on, while staying hydrated. During extreme heat, stay inside and keep cool.