Excessive heat warning for Yuma and Imperial County this weekend

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Ensure you stay hydrated this weekend as Yuma and Imperial County will be hotter than usual starting Friday, July 9 to Sunday, July 11.

The National Weather Service (NWS) expects temperatures from 107 to 121.

Even though the river and parks sound pretty tempting, it's best to stay indoors to avoid a heat stroke. NSW reminds everyone to dress for the heat and in light-colored clothing. If you're engaging in outdoor activity, remember to take longer breaks and avoid the hottest parts of the day.

Heat is one of the leading weather-related killers in the United States, resulting in hundreds of fatalities each year. Never leave kids or pets unattended in cars.

24 children died in hot cars in 2020, and 1 toddler already has died in April 2021.

The Red Cross has the following tips to stay cool this summer.

Learn How to Stay Hydrated

• Drinking enough water is one of the most important things you can do to prevent heat-related illness. An average person needs to drink about three-quarters of a gallon of fluid daily.
• Stay away from sugary, caffeinated and alcoholic drinks.
• In general, eating meals and snacks throughout the day with adequate water intake is enough to maintain electrolytes and replace salt lost when you sweat.
• Certain medical conditions and medications may mean you need to drink more water. Talk to your healthcare provider.

Take Actions to Keep Your Home Cool

• Cover windows with drapes or shades. 
• Weather-strip doors and windows. 
• Use window reflectors, such as aluminum foil-covered cardboard, to reflect heat back outside. 
• Add insulation to keep the heat out. 
• Use a powered attic ventilator or attic fan to regulate the heat level of your attic by clearing hot air. 
• Install window air conditioners and insulate around them.

Plan to Go to a Cool Place

Spending a few hours each day in air conditioning can help prevent or reduce heat-related illness. If you do not have air conditioning in your home, identify a place where you can spend the warmest part of the day during an extreme heat event.

• Contact a nearby neighbor, friend or relative who has air conditioning.
• Check to see if shopping malls or public libraries are open.
• Find out if your community plans to open public cooling centers.