Under the Colorado sun

MONTROSE  — With nothing but heat in the forecast, area residents will see a much different Fourth of July this year.

Last July 4, winds and rain put a damper on many local celebrations and backyard barbecues. Temperatures for the holiday week averaged in the 70s with thunderstorms almost every day.

This Fourth of July, don't expect cooling afternoon rain showers.

"Temperature during the daytime have been eight to nine degrees above average," said Brian Avery, hydrologist for the National Weather Service in Grand Junction.

Montrose is expected to have 90 to 100 degree weather this week, continuing into the weekend.

"It is high pressure that sits over the Four Corners," he said. "We won't see a relief until the high pressure moves eastward." The eastward shift starts the beginning of the monsoon season in mid-July.

Until then, residents need to be cautious in the heat, especially during the Fourth of July holiday where outdoor recreation, alcohol consumption and travel are traditional.

"The best precaution is to avoid the heat," Blake Walker said. "Second is to avoid alcohol because it makes the dehydration worse."

Walker is an emergency physician at Montrose Memorial Hospital. He said he's not seen any heat stroke cases so far, but people are coming in with heat exhaustion.

There are three main types of heat illness: heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Heat cramps usually involve the abdominal muscles or the legs and are pains and spasms generally caused by loss of water and salt due to heavy sweating.

Heat exhaustion is more serious, but less serious than heat stroke. It typically happens when body fluids are lost through sweat during heavy activity in warm, humid places. The body sweat doesn't evaporate as it should, causing the body to not cool properly.

Signs of heat exhaustion include cool, moist, pale, flushed or red skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea or vomiting; dizziness; and exhaustion. Body temperatures are near normal.

"Those are the first symptoms you have to pay attention to and get out of the sun and get hydrated," Walker said.

He recommends a person drink 6-8 ounces of water every 30 minutes for strenuous activity. If that activity lasts more than 60 minutes, the person needs to drink a sports drink to supplement the water.

"Heat-related illnesses we see are all related to not getting electrolytes," Walker said.

Staying hydrated during the July 4 activities is very important, especially if alcohol is an accompanying factor. Alcohol and caffeine drinks dehydrate the body.

"If you are going to be drinking alcohol in the sun, avoid excessive amounts and drink plenty of water," Walker said. "You have to maintain hydration status."

The Red Cross recommends people eat smaller meals more often, avoiding high-protein foods.

It also says to wear lightweight, breathable clothing.

The most serious heat illness is heat stroke, or sunstroke. It is life threatening because the body's cooling system stops working. Body temperatures can rise so high that brain damage or death can occur if temperatures are not lowered fast. Symptoms include hot, red and dry skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; and rapid, shallow breathing. Body temperatures can be as high as 105 degrees.

"If you quit sweating, that is very severe ... you need to come to the emergency department," Walker said.

Juli Messenger, Montrose Area Merchants Association executive director, said she is planning for Wednesday's hot weather for the Great American Summer Salute with extra shading and water activities.

G.A.S.S. is part of the Montrose Summer Fest, which also includes the Red, White and Balloons arts and crafts fair. All activities will be at McNeil Field starting at 9 a.m.

"I guess I need to put a temperature cap on my prayer lists," she said. Messenger wished for nicer weather then last year, but had to take extra steps because of the heat.

She rented a second general tent for shade purposes.

Water activities include water games, a dunk tank, water slide and Messenger is bringing her squirt guns.

"We encourage people to be smart," she said. "If you are not racing the tricycles, find some shade because it is going to be a warm one."

Contact Kati O'Hare via e-mail at katio@montrosepress.com