The continued high heat index is expected to stick around and that hazardous weather outlook remains in place, according to the National Weather Service. Reports indicate Rutherford County will continue to see a heat index of 111-degrees on Thursday (07/07/22), followed by a heat index as high as 111-degrees again on Friday (07/08/22).

In Smyrna, Tennessee, the Police Department told the community the temperatures will be dangerously hot and noted, “If you know of someone who may need checking on and it's not an emergency, please call the Smyrna Police Department at 615-459-6644.”

In Murfreesboro, Fire & Rescue Chief Mark Foulks said that heat eheat exhaustion is a real danger…  And if you absolutely have to work outside…

Chief Foulks said the goal is to keep your core body temperature down when working in the heat. Drinking plenty of water, using cooling towels and wearing a hat can help prevent you from overheating. He also suggested limiting your outdoor work to 30-minute intervals or less.

WGNS asked the fire chief if they have responded to any calls involving elderly residents living in homes without a functioning air conditioner… Chief Foulks said it is important to check-up on family and friends throughout the summer, especially on days that come with a 111-degree heat index reading.

According to the Mayo Clinic, “Heat exhaustion is a condition whose symptoms may include heavy sweating and a rapid pulse, a result of your body overheating. It's one of three heat-related syndromes, with heat cramps being the mildest and heatstroke being the most severe. Causes of heat exhaustion include exposure to high temperatures, particularly when combined with high humidity, and strenuous physical activity. Without prompt treatment, heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke, a life-threatening condition. Fortunately, heat exhaustion is preventable.”

The National Weather Service reported, “A dangerous combination of heat and humidity will continue. Excessive Heat Warnings or Heat Advisories are in place for most of the area.”

The excessive heat warning remains in effect until midnight on Friday as we head into Saturday, which will hopefully equal a small reprieve in the high temperatures. On Saturday, showers and thunderstorms are likely, mainly after 1PM. The high will reach 90-degrees this Saturday and 89-degrees on Sunday.

BAN ON OPEN BURNING CONTINUES: Most residents are not thinking about burning scrap wood during these hot summer days, but it’s important to remember that open burning is not allowed right now. The outdoor “Open Burn Ban” remains in place throughout Rutherford County. WGNS’ Josephine Walker tells listeners when that burn ban went into effect… Rutherford County, Smyrna, La Vergne and Murfreesboro Fire & Rescue Departments will continue to keep a watchful eye on any potential areas prone to fire and burn permits will remain on hold, until further notice.

Again, the burn ban remains in place throughout Rutherford County and the heat index values will remain dangerously high. But, that burn ban could be changed after this weekend, depending on rain levels. WGNS will keep you up-to-date. 

The types of fires prohibited during the outdoor open burning ban include:
·Brush and leaves    ·Fields/grassland    ·Campfires/cooking fires
·Burn barrels    ·Household waste    ·All other open burning

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