So far, local hospitals haven't seen much in the way of heat-related illnesses. But as the thermometer hovers near triple digits, they're warning area residents to be careful.
Temperatures topped out at 97 on Thursday, but humidity pushed heat indices as high as 106 degrees. A slight drop in temperatures is expected today and Saturday, but summer is just getting started.
St. Mary's Hospital hasn't seen any ER patients suffering from the heat, and Capital Region Medical Center has seen only a few mild cases involving dizziness and dehydration. Officials at both said they typically see more as summer develops.
Heat exhaustion is the most common heat-related illness, but heat stroke is far more severe, said Dr. Steven Martin at St. Mary's Urgent Care.
Heat stroke involves high body temperatures (104 degrees F or more) and changes in mental status, he said. Heat cramps are frequent but usually not severe, involving muscle spasms because of electrolyte losses.
Martin said daily water intake recommendations for men are 13-15 cups and 9-11 cups daily for women. People should also consume drinks that have sodium in them (i.e., sports drinks) to replace losses. Generally, with increased activity and outdoor work, people should add 2-4 cups of fluid to these totals each hour they are exerting themselves, he said.
"A good measure of hydration is urine output and color," he said. "Dark urine means it is too concentrated, and more fluid intake is needed. Light yellow or clear urine is more diluted, which is a good sign of hydration."
Dr. Jeff Ehmke, director of Capital Region's Emergency Services, said: "Even if you don't feel thirsty, it's important to drink plenty of water. Also, alcohol consumption may quench a thirst, but it can exacerbate dehydration."
Ehmke said signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion include confusion; dizziness; fainting; fatigue; headache; muscle or abdominal cramps; nausea, vomiting or diarrhea; pale skin; profuse sweating and rapid heartbeat.
Signs for heat stroke are more severe: throbbing headache; dizziness and light-headedness; lack of sweating despite the heat; red, hot and dry skin; muscle weakness or cramps; nausea and vomiting; rapid heartbeat; rapid, shallow breathing; behavioral changes such as confusion, disorientation or staggering; seizures and even unconsciousness.
To treat heat-related symptoms, both doctors said to get the person in a cool environment and get them hydrated with liquids.
As usual, postal employees aren't letting the heat slow their deliveries.
"While it is extremely hot, we have not had any day where we don't deliver due to heat," said Postmaster Jason Hirschvogel.
Carriers wear hats, sunscreen and light-fitting clothes, but they also have to stay hydrated, he said.
"The postal service does follow a safety program with everything we do, and safety talks are conducted frequently to ensure employees are knowledgeable when it comes to heat illnesses and prevention of those," he said.
With the extreme heat forecast over the next few days, public health officials are making residents aware there are several places they can go to get cool.
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has a list of cooling centers in and around Jefferson City: Capital Mall, 3600 Country Club Drive; Clarke Senior Center, 1310 Linden Drive; Missouri River Regional Library, 214 Adams St.; Salvation Army Jefferson City, 927 Jefferson St.; and Senior Center at Capital Mall, 3600 Country Club Drive.
Cooling centers in Mid-Missouri are: Senior/Nutrition Centers in Fulton, California, Linn, Eldon and Versailles; Callaway County Library in Fulton; Fulton City Hall; New Bloomfield City Hall; Callaway County Courthouse; and libraries in Sunrise Beach, Osage Beach, Versailles and Eldon.
Jefferson City's two public pools offer another option to cool off:
Memorial Park Aquatic Center, 120 Binder Drive: Public sessions are noon-7 p.m. daily; $4 for youth ages 17 and under ($3 after 5 p.m.); $5 for adults ($3.50 after 5 p.m.).
Ellis-Porter Riverside Pool, 320 Ellis-Porter Drive: Public sessions are noon-5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and noon-7 p.m. Friday through Sunday; $3 for youth ages 17 and under; $3.50 for adults.