COAHOMA COUNTY, Miss. — The Mississippi Delta baked under some of the most dangerous heat index figures this summer.
Some places reached up to 119 degrees during the daytime!
People in Coahoma County were urged to stay indoors and avoid becoming heat stroke victims.
Staff at the hospital in Clarksdale were also on alert for an increased number of heat stroke patients.
Folks we talked with Thursday said they were taking precautions and curtailing outside activities.
“It’s pretty warm out here today. It’s pretty hot,” said Elder Thornton of Clarksdale, MS.
Thornton and his brother Money picked one of the hottest days of the year to work on their truck.
“As soon as we get this headlight replaced, we’re going back under the air where it’s cool at,” he said.
Conditions around Clarksdale, Coahoma County and the Mississippi Delta were flat-out dangerous.
The Thornton brothers were taking the heat seriously and not overdoing their work.
“Try to stay in a shaded area. Drink plenty of water, plenty of fluids, Gatoraide, and just try to keep cool,” said Thornton.
Officials in Clarksdale planned to open the Civic Center downtown as a cooling shelter during the daytime.
And at the Northwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center, the staff was on alert for potential heat stroke victims.
Clifton Reed, Interim Chief Nursing Officer, said Emergency Room staff have been alerted to a possible increase in heat stroke patients.
“Patients start to complain about a headache and also complain about being dizzy, real tired and fatigued, muscle cramps, weakness, usually pain in the abdomen. Some can go as far as having nausea, vomiting, diarrhea,” said Reed.
Reed said the best thing people can do is avoid going out during the hottest times of the day.
Pat Davis, owner of Abe’s BarB-Q in Clarksdale, agreed.
“Mostly I stay inside and probably go shopping where’s there’s good air conditions at,” said Davis.
But if you have to be outside, Reed said take precautions: drink plenty of fluids, whether you’re thirsty or not, wear light-colored clothing, a hat and sunscreen.
Also make sure to check on your neighbors, especially the elderly and those who may not have adequate cooling in their homes.
For James Bryant the heat meant more customers for his “shaved ice” business.
Bryant’s flavored snow cones have always been a big hit, but even the cold “treats” weren’t enough to bring people out during the hot daylight hours.
Bryant said he understood.
“People staying indoors right now. But wait till later on, they’ll be getting out and moving about and what not,” he said.
