What you need to know as extreme heat settles over Southeast Michigan
An extreme heat warning takes effect at noon Tuesday for all of Southeast Michigan, including Metro Detroit.
This is part of a "heat dome" system that is affecting much of the country.
The National Weather Service in Detroit says the heat warning is expected to remain in effect until 8 p.m. Thursday. The heat started building up on Monday, but will hit its peak Tuesday through Thursday.
The temperatures will reach the mid-90s to 100 degrees, with heat indices in excess of 105 degrees each day. Wednesday and Thursday will be the peak of the heat wave for Southeast Michigan.
There will be little nighttime relief as lows only cool into the mid-70s with a heat index around 80 each night.
Public health officials and doctors say the extreme heat conditions can be dangerous and urge people to take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses.
Because of the extreme conditions, the CBS Detroit weather team will continue NEXT Weather Alert day status through Friday. This means news coverage and forecasts will step up forecasts and announcements as needed.
Here's what you need to know as the heat wave settles in:
Cooling centers
Many of Metro Detroit's communities have made designated libraries, community centers and city buildings available to area residents as cooling centers, places where people can spend some time in air conditioning during the heat of the day.
Those lists are posted on city and county websites, or call the United Way at 211 for information.
Air quality alerts
There is a chance of ozone-induced air quality alerts overlapping with the heat wave.
Metro Detroit was included in an air quality alert issued for Monday; the Grand Rapids area is included in an air quality alert that is in effect for Tuesday.
MIOSHA urges precautions
The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration urges employers to plan ahead for workers who are in hot indoor environments or working outside during the heat wave.
The recommendations include scheduling rest breaks, providing cool drinking water, training supervisors and teammates on how to recognize heat illness symptoms, and adjusting work schedules when possible.
Reminders about parked cars
Traffic and health officials issue reminders in the summer to not leave a child or a pet inside a parked car during these conditions, even for a few minutes. All vehicles also should be kept locked so that children and pets don't climb inside on their own.
"On hot summer days, the inside of a parked car can quickly heat up like an oven," AAA says.
If you see a child or a pet alone inside a vehicle, AAA says to call 911 and alert authorities.
Electricity use
DTE Energy sent an email to its electricity customers on Monday with a reminder that home cooling systems "can account for up to half your energy bill in warm months."
The utility suggests blocking sunlight from windows during the day, to help keep temperatures down inside.
The company also suggested scheduling laundry and dishwasher tasks at night, and using a slow cooker or microwave instead of an oven or stove to cook food. Those steps can alleviate the effort that fans and air conditioners are doing to keep a home cool.
Cancellations and closings
The Royal Oak Taco Fest canceled its Thursday schedule because of the dangerously high heat index forecast and will instead run Friday through Sunday.
Red Oaks Waterpark in Madison Heights, which is part of the Oakland County parks system, will be closed on Tuesday, with shortened hours of 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, because of the extreme heat.
Other announcements
The City of Milan Fire Department will operate a temporary "spray park" at Wilson Park, behind the fire station. The water sprays will run from 1 to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Barkside, which has both indoor and outdoor dog park areas, will offer owners complimentary day passes at its Detroit and Southfield locations through Friday in response to the heat wave. Those who wish to participate should sign up on the company's website.
