ASHLAND — The fireworks in the sky at night won’t be the only hot things north central Ohio residents experience this weekend.
Sun. Heat. Repeat.
According to the National Weather Service office in Cleveland, our weather for the next several days will be like an old and scratched vinyl record album in the 1970s.
The needle is gonna feel stuck on the same groove.
If you don’t get outside and have fun this 4th of July holiday weekend, well, you got no one to blame but yourself. Mother Nature is tossing us a batting-practice speed weather softball.
Today will be sunny with a high near 90. Clear tonight with a low around 66. Not much wind to speak of.
On Friday, which many people will enjoy as their holiday since Independence Day falls on the weekend, it will be sunny with a high of 92 and a low of 68 at night. Light wind in the afternoon, calming at night.
On July 4, it will be sunny with a high neat 92 and a an overnight low around 66. Again, not much wind to talk about.
We will finish the weekend the way it began. The high Sunday will be 92 and the overnight low around 68.
In fact, the next predicted chance of rain doesn’t come until the middle of next week.
Do take precautions in this sustained heat. Our friends at Richland Public Health gave us some advice a couple of days ago on how to avoid heat-related illness.
Much of it’s common sense. Drink water. Get out of the heat when you can. Try to avoid exercising or working outside during the hottest parts of the day.
And for goodness sake be careful around fireworks. We know you know they are illegal in Ohio, unless it’s a public show done by experts. But we also know many will set them off in the backyard. If you do, the National Safety Council has some great advice that could save a life … or at least a hand.
If you are gonna watch or participate in fireworks to celebrate the 4th, please be cautious with your pets. Much like your neighbor who may be trying to sleep, fireworks can have a jarring impact on our furry friends.
According to a story at Purina.com, more dogs run away from home on the 4th of July than any other time of year. Dogs hear better than humans, so loud booms are even more alarming. Dogs don’t know it’s Independence Day weekend, so they are not expecting the big bangs.
According to the website, “The noise and unpredictability of fireworks leads many dogs to perceive them as a threat. This triggers their fight-or-flight response. Your dog may bark at the noises or try to run away and hide. He may show other signs of anxiety, too, like restlessness, panting, pacing and whining.”
So … enjoy the sun and heat this weekend. Take care of yourself. Don’t injure yourself or others with fireworks. And be kind to your pets.
