MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Thursday marked the 10th day in a row that the Mid-South has topped 90 degrees, which raised concerns for the possibility of problems from the cumulative effect of constant heat exposure.
“We decided to eat outside, but it was too hot out there, but we didn’t go inside,” said shopper Ariynna Muesse, who was visiting Overton Square with her father.
WREG found many people in that area uncomfortable in the heat.
“It’s too hot to do anything,” said Caitlyn Perkins, who came to Overton Square to grab a bite.
At least one restaurant had its outdoor misting fans blaring.
The ongoing heat concerned Dr. Jeff Mullins, who works at MidSouth Family Medicine at Methodist Healthcare.
He said he knows many people understand the symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, but the same cannot be said for cumulative heat exposure.
Dr. Mullins said getting overheated raises body temperature.
He said that can affect muscles and lead to kidney problems, especially for the elderly or people who have conditions such as hypertension or diabetes.
Not hydrating well enough makes matters worse.
“Some of them can look perfectly normal over a couple days of heat exposure, and then with the third or fourth day or whatever, can get into a medical crisis,” Dr. Mullins said.
On days like Thursday, Dr. Mullins said staying in the air conditioning and drinking water can be lifesaving.
“There’s going to be people that die probably over the next few days because of how hot it is,” he said.
He suggested people regularly check on their elderly neighbors and family members.
