Effingham, IL-(Effingham Radio)- The dangerous heat continues today and tomorrow, but a cooldown is on the way.
Dangerously hot weather will continue through Friday as air temperatures climb into the upper 90s and afternoon heat index values peak between 111 and 117 degrees. A Heat Warning remains in effect through tonight for most of the region, but continues into Friday for locations south of the yellow dashed line on the map. Peak heat index values will range 110-117 each day.
Some of you have probably heard the term “corn sweat,” which is when corn (and really, other crops) give off moisture through their leaves as they move through the growing season. The scientific term for this is called evapotranspiration, and we are getting it in abundance! It’s a big part of why we are seeing such humid conditions and extreme heat index values. Did you know that mature Illinois corn crops give off over 35 BILLION gallons of water DAILY into the atmosphere. THIS IS ENOUGH WATER TO FILL OVER 52,500 OLYMPIC SIZE SWIMMING POOLS!!!
A cold front will bring welcome relief by this weekend when temperatures drop back to near normal for this time of year in the middle to upper 80s.
With the sweltering heat and hotter temperatures, consider the tips from IEMA below to help reduce your energy consumption.
- Avoid using appliances during the day (like oven, dishwasher, washing machine, dryer)
- Only do full loads of laundry and dishes. Consider using cool settings.
- Consider using a clothesline to dry your clothes outside
- Keep shades and curtains drawn
- Take short, cool showers
- Turn off all unnecessary electronics
- Use all window coverings.
- Monitor the thermostat and household temperatures and raise your thermostat to 78 degrees F or higher. (each degree of extra cooling will increase energy usage 6%-8%)
- Programmable thermostats can save a household about $100 per year.
- Consider turning your HVAC system off when you are not at home.
- Clear all ducts and vents to maximize cool air.
- Close doors of rooms that are not in use.
- Change your HVAC filters regularly.
- Your ceiling fans should run counterclockwise to help circulate cool air.
Photo and Story Courtesy of NOAA
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