Blast of summer heat sparks Health Department cautions and tips
June 1, 2023 | By Waterbury Roundabout 
Summertime kayakers on the Winooski River. File photo by Gordon Miller
The calendar doesn’t say “summer” for another three weeks, but the transition from May into June this week is sending the mercury into the mid-summer range.
That’s prompted the folks at the Vermont Department of Health to issue some precautions and tips for the public to keep in mind as people navigate the first hot spell of the season.
According to the National Weather Service, Wednesday’s high in Waterbury reached 87 degrees and Thursday and Friday are expected to have temperatures in the upper 80s to low 90s before a break is expected this weekend.
The hot conditions increase risks for heat-related illnesses and the Health Department has tips and information in 12 languages, as well as an interactive map of cooling locations, at HealthVermont.gov/hot-weather.
The map lists three locations in Waterbury: the Waterbury Center State Park day use area which is open to the public (as well as Little River State Park); the town pool at Anderson Park is listed but is not open to the public for the summer yet; and the Waterbury Public Library which is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday.
In addition, the Ice Center ice rink has announced a public skate time on Friday from 4 to 5:30 p.m. as well as next Friday, June 9, same hours.
“During hot weather, your body’s temperature control systems can have a hard time keeping up,” said Health Department Climate and Health Program Manager Jared Ulmer. “It’s important to ease into outdoor activities, to drink plenty of water, and to take frequent breaks in the shade or cool indoor locations, especially during these first really hot days of the season.”
Heat risks are especially high early in the warm season because people need time to acclimate to hot weather. When daily high temperatures consistently stay above 80°F, these risks drop by more than half, according to health officials.
“Being aware of heat risks and how to stay safe is increasingly important,” Ulmer said. “Due to climate change, heat waves in Vermont are already occurring more frequently and with more intensity than they did in the recent past.”
The Health Department advises people to watch for symptoms of heat illness such as muscle cramps, heavy sweating, nausea, headache, or light-headedness. Most heat illnesses can be treated by drinking fluids and resting in a cooler place. If symptoms persist or get worse, or someone you are with seems confused or loses consciousness, dial 9-1-1 and get immediate medical help.
Certain people are at a higher risk of heat-related illness, including those who work or exercise outdoors, people who are unhoused, older adults, and young children. People who have disabilities, chronic medical conditions, are overweight, are taking certain medications, or are using drugs or alcohol are also at higher risk. Consecutive hot days with warm overnight temperatures are particularly dangerous for people without access to air conditioning, especially if they live alone.
While many head for the lake to cool off, cold water temperatures are still a concern. Lake Champlain has yet to reach 60°F, and many other recreational waters are also at temperatures that can cause hypothermia. Public health and safety officials advise limiting time in the water, and always wearing a life jacket when boating.
Tips for staying safe and healthy in hot weather
Look before you lock: Never leave children, people with disabilities, older adults, or pets in a closed vehicle.
Drink plenty of water, or non-alcoholic and decaffeinated fluids.
Seek relief in air-conditioned spaces or other cool and shaded places (interactive cooling sites map at: HealthVermont.gov/hot-weather).
Check on loved ones and neighbors to make sure they are safe — especially those who live alone, have mobility issues, or do not have air conditioning.
Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing to reflect heat and sunlight.
Limit outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day.
Close window shades during the day. Keep windows closed when it is hotter outside than inside. Avoid using appliances and lights that generate heat.
Make sure pets have water and a cool place to rest.
A new Health Department analysis shows how Vermonters’ health is affected by the heat index – the “what it feels like” temperature. “When relative humidity increases, it’s harder for sweat to evaporate, which makes it harder for people to cool off,” Ulmer said.
According to the analysis, people in Vermont are more than five times as likely to go to the emergency department for heat-related illnesses when the heat index reaches the 80s. That increases to 10 times as likely to go when the heat index reaches the low 90s, and 20 times more likely when the heat index reaches the upper 90s or hotter.
More helpful resources
U.S. National Weather Service issues a heat advisory, watch, or warning when the forecasted heat index is dangerously high. That’s online at weather.gov/btv/heat. Follow on social media at @NWSBurlington.
VT Alert at vem.vermont.gov/VTAlert sends heat alerts via phone, text or email. Sign up online.
Find the Vermont Department of Health online and on social media @HealthVermont; also Vermont Emergency Management online and on social media @vemvt. The agencies use the social media tag: #VTHeatSafety.
Both the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have information on extreme heat.