
Drinking Advice Issued for 7.4 Million in Arizona
Most of the nation is under a heat advisory. Experts are using the term heat dome, which conjures up images of the United States trapped in a cosmic Dutch oven.
What is a Heat Dome?
This year, we've been under a formidable heat dome that feels like it's been cooking most of the country. The heat dome is an atmospheric high-pressure system that pulls warm air toward the ground and traps it.
The regions under the "dome" experience the sweltering heat that's beginning to shatter weather records.
READ: Record Smashing Heat Dome Could Make Arizona Even Hotter
Arizona's Elderly Are More Susceptible to Heat-Related Illnesses
Arizona is currently being impacted by this extreme weather. Phoenix's temperatures are expected to be around 112 degrees Fahrenheit by next week. When temperatures soar, heat-related hospital visits tend to spike, especially for the elderly.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), older adults may have a more difficult time adapting to extreme temperature changes as they age. Chronic medical conditions and medications can also change how their bodies respond to heat.
Drinking Water: How to Stay Safe in the Extreme Heat in Arizona
The best way to combat the effects of heat-related stress and illness is to run air conditioning units as much as possible. Even more importantly, experts stress the importance of staying hydrated.
Experts at the American Red Cross recommend drinking at least three-fourths of a gallon of water daily. The CDC breaks it down further, suggesting adults drink one cup of water every fifteen to twenty minutes during heat exposure.
READ: Tips to Keep Your Dog Safe in Arizona's Summer Heat
Thankfully, the heat won't last forever, but until we see some relief, stay hydrated and check on your neighbors, especially the elderly and infirmed.
[ Sources: Science Alert | Earth Observatory/Nasa | Newsweek | Phys.org | Red Cross | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ]
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