Lincoln officials urge caution during heatwave

With a heat warning in effect for Lincoln from 1 p.m. until 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 17th through Friday, July 19th, city officials are urging caution.

This replaces the excessive heat watch.

According to city officials, a heat warning means that a prolonged period of dangerously hot temperatures (heat index of 105 degrees or above) will create life-threatening conditions.

Temperatures are predicted to be in the 90s each day, and heat index values are expected to peak from 100 to 109 days each afternoon.

The heat and high humidity can create a dangerous situation and cause heat-related illnesses.

The heat index is a more accurate measure of how hot it really feels when the humidity is added to the actual air temperature.

The Belmont Recreation Center, located on 1234 Judson Street will be open until 8 p.m. during the heat warning.

Also, most Lincoln City Library branches will be open until 8 p.m..

Those without air conditioning can also cool off during regular hours at senior centers and other recreation centers, as well as other public locations, such as, theaters and shopping malls.

Lincoln Parks and Recreation also offers family swim nights at neighborhood pools from 6 to 8 p.m on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday for just $9 per family.

Information on regular and extended hours at city facilities is available on lincoln.ne.gov

Aging Partners also says they have a limited number of fans for distribution on a first-come-first-serve-basis to adults age 60 and older.

No financial screening is required.

For more information call 402-441-7030.

The program does accept fan donations at the Aging Partners office, located at 1005 O St.

Health experts say children are more at risk from higher temperatures because they adjust more slowly to heat, have thinner skin, produce more heat with more activity, sweat less and are less likely to get a drink when they need one.

Other at-risk people include the elderly, those with chronic diseases, those who are overweight and those using certain medications or alcohol.