5-14-18

By: Bill Kinsland

(Sautee)- According to National Weather Service meteorologist David Nadler, Tuesday, May 15th will be recognized as Heat Safety Awareness Day across the state of Georgia.

Nadler said that “Heat is the leading cause of weather-related fatalities across the United States, on average killing more than 100 people each year.  Numerous people and groups are at risk of heat-related illnesses, including children,

pregnant women, older adults, emergency responders, outdoor workers, and even athletes.  Additionally, people with certain medical/health conditions (i.e. high blood pressure, diabetes, respiratory diseases) are at greater risk.”

According to NoHeatStroke.org, in 2017 46 children perished in hot-car deaths. Thus far in 2018, 4 children have also perished from being left in hot cars.

To underscore the urgency of this message, daily temperatures soared to new record highs in White County this past weekend.

In Cleveland at WRWH Radio, the mercury popped out at 87 degrees Saturday afternoon, which tied with the daily high set in 2011. Sunday was even hotter when the temperature reached 89, beating the previous record of 86 in 2010.

Helen’s 88 degrees on Friday tied with the previous daily record set in 2011. Saturday’s 89-degree high beat the previous record of 87 in 2011. Sunday was the hottest day with 92 degrees, topping the earlier record of 89 set way back in 1956, the first year of Helen’s temperature records.

At Sautee Friday the high was 83, beating the previous daily record of 82 in 2014. Saturday’s high of 85 exceeded the previous record of 81 in 2000. Sunday’s high of 85 beat out the 84-degree record also set in 2000.