An extreme heat warning has been issued by the National Weather Service in ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä from 11 a.m. Monday through 8 p.m. Wednesday.
The warning covers western and central West Virginia as well as portions of northeast Kentucky and southeast Ohio.
Heat-related illnesses increase significantly during extended high heat and humidity events.
With high temperatures around 95 expected this week with a heat index of up to 103, residents are advised to avoid outdoor activities when possible, stay hydrated and take frequent breaks in shaded areas if they must be outside. Staying indoors in air-conditioned spaces — day and night — is recommended.
Here is a forecast through Thursday:
- Monday: High of 90, low of 73. A chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Heat index up to 98.
- Tuesday: The high might reach 92 with the heat index predicted to be 102. Look for low of 72 Tuesday night with calm winds.
- Wednesday: Temperatures could reach 95. Look for showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon, and a low of 72.
- Thursday: A bit cooler, with an 80% chance of rain. Expected high is 85, with a low of 67.
Cooling centers open in Kanawha Valley
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There are several cooling centers open in the area, which will operate until Wednesday. And the City of ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä's community centers are air conditioned and open on their normal schedule:
- Centralized Assessment Office, 1015 Smith St.; 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m.
- Kanawha City Community Center, 3511 Venable Ave.; 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
- Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, 314 Donnally St.; 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
- Neighborhood SHOP, 319 Washington St. W.; 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
- North ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä Community Center, 2009 7th Ave.; 9 a.m.-9 p.m
- Roosevelt Community Center, 502 Ruffner Ave.; 12 p.m.- 8 p.m.
Caring for people and pets
The CDC advises dressing infants and children in lightweight, light-colored clothing and ensuring they stay cool. Never leave children in cars, even briefly, as temperatures rise quickly. Offer plenty of fluids — avoiding sugary or overly cold drinks — and monitor for signs of heat illness.
Additionally, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals urges pet owners to take key precautions in hot weather:
- Keep pets hydrated and give them access to shade or air-conditioned areas.
- Avoid leaving them alone in cars.
- Restrict vigorous exercise with pets to the cooler early morning or evening hours.
- Don't walk pets on hot pavement or concrete.
- Be alert for heatstroke symptoms (panting, drooling, weakness, vomiting, collapse).
- Pay close attention to vulnerable pets — especially the elderly, overweight or those with health issues — and keep them indoors in extreme heat.
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