Vermont Prepares for Unprecedented Heat Wave: Health Experts Issue Cautions
VERMONT — Next week, Vermont is bracing for an unanticipated heat wave, with temperatures predicted to soar into the upper 80s and mid-90s by Monday and Tuesday. Such extreme heat raises the risks of dehydration, heat cramps, nausea, and heat stroke, particularly for vulnerable populations including older adults, people with disabilities, and those managing chronic health conditions.
Jared Ulmer, Climate and Health Program Manager with the Department of Health, urges residents to check on loved ones, especially those without air conditioning, those living alone, or requiring assistance with daily activities.
Health officials recommend several precautions:
- “Look Before You Lock”: Never leave children, older adults, pets, or individuals with disabilities in closed vehicles.
- Stay hydrated by drinking water and non-alcoholic beverages, and seek refuge in air-conditioned or shaded spaces. An interactive map of cooling sites is available at HealthVermont.gov/hot-weather.
- Close window shades and keep windows shut when outdoor temperatures exceed indoor levels.
- Gradually acclimate to heat; it may take up to 14 days for the body to adjust to heat-related activities.
Most heat-related illnesses can be managed by resting and hydrating, but if symptoms persist or worsen, immediate medical attention is crucial.
Those particularly at risk include outdoor workers, the unhoused, pregnant individuals, young children, and people consuming drugs or alcohol. Extended periods of high temperatures, particularly overnight, pose heightened dangers for those without air conditioning.
Vermonters are encouraged to subscribe to VT Alert for notifications regarding heat advisories (vem.vermont.gov/VTAlert) and to use resources like the new Heat Safety Guidance for Caregivers.
For comprehensive heat safety information, visit the National Weather Service at weather.gov/btv/heat and follow #VTHeatSafety on social media.
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