Starbucks may be rolling out a Pumpkin Spice Latte and a fall menu, but Lubbock’s weather hasn’t caught on yet.
According to the National Weather Service, temperatures in Lubbock are expected to exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit over the next few days, with a slight delay next Sunday and Monday.
At least two new daily record highs were set in Lubbock and Childress on Wednesday, the weather service said. Lubbock reached a high of 105, breaking the previous record of 103 set in 1930. Childress reached a high of 110, breaking the previous record of 106 set in 1952.
Thursday is expected to have a maximum temperature of 40 degrees Celsius, Friday and Saturday respectively 40 and 38 degrees Celsius. The NWS is becoming less sunny and warm every day.
Temperatures in Lubbock are expected to drop below 100 degrees on Sunday and Monday, with a high of 100 degrees each day.
As the heat continues not only in Lubbock but also in the South Plains and West Texas, here are some tips to help you stay safe.
Where are Lubbock’s cooling centers located?
The City of Lubbock has partnered with Reliant Energy to establish cooling centers to provide free water and air conditioning at all public libraries in the city.
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Godeke Library: 5034 Frankford Ave. — Mon-Tue: 12pm-9pm, Wed-Sat: 9am-6pm, Sun: Closed.
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Groves Library: 5520 19th St. — Mon-Tue: 12pm-9pm, Wed-Sat: 9am-6pm, Sun: closed.
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Mahon Library: 1306 9th St. — Mon-Wed: 9am-9pm, Thu-Sat: 9am-6pm, Sun: 1pm-5pm
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Patterson Library: 1836 Parkway Drive — Mon-Tue: 10am-7pm, Wed-Sat: 9am-6pm, Sun: closed.
Related: Lubbock, Reliant Energy to Provide Free Cooling Centers and Wells During Summer
What are the symptoms of heat exhaustion and stroke?
According to the Centers for Disease Control, heat exhaustion can cause the following symptoms:
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Dizziness.
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Thirst.
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Nausea.
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Weakness.
If left untreated, heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, which occurs when a person’s internal body temperature reaches 106 degrees or higher in 10 to 15 minutes. Heat strokes can lead to permanent damage to the body and death if left untreated.
Related: Tips to Stay Safe While Taking Medications and Working During Texas Heat Wave This Week
Symptoms of heat stroke include:
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Confusion, altered mental status, slurred speech.
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Unconsciousness (coma).
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Warm, dry skin or heavy sweating.
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Epileptic seizures.
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Very high body temperature.
After calling 911, the CDC advises moving people suffering from heatstroke to a cooler or shady area and removing their outer clothing. Also try to cool the person down by doing one of the following:
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A cold water or ice bath, if possible.
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Wet the skin.
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Apply cold, wet cloths to the skin.
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Soak clothes in cold water.
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Circulate air around the person to speed cooling.
How can you reduce your energy bill on hot days?
There are a few ways to lower your energy bill on hot days and keep people cool. According to Reliant Energy, here are some energy saving tips:
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Turn your thermostat up four degrees if you’ll be away from home for more than four hours.
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Turn the ceiling fan counterclockwise.
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Use blinds or curtains to prevent the sun from heating up the room.
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Schedule a monthly HVAC checkup and check the air filters, replacing them as needed.
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Reduce the temperature of your electric boiler to 49°C.
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Replace your old light bulbs with new LED bulbs.
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Avoid using heat producing appliances such as the tumble dryer, dishwasher or oven during the hottest times of the day.
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Use the microwave, toaster or grill outside to reduce heat build-up in the home.
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Install a programmable thermostat.
According to Reliant, your costs can increase by as much as seven percent if your thermostat is set lower than 26°C, for every degree lower.
MAP: Texas Warnings and Alerts
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Heat warning issued for Lubbock due to highs above 100 degrees for the rest of the week
