Virginia heat-related emergencies spiking, how to stay safe as second heat wave hits

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Virginia's heat-related illnesses broke records this June, hitting higher monthly totals than ever recorded. With another heatwave rolling in, health officials are giving out some tips on how to stay safe in extreme heat.

Between May 1 and July 24, Virginia emergency departments and urgent care centers saw 2,883 cases of heat-related illness, according to the Virginia Department of Health (VDH).

June was particularly busy, with more visits that month than any previous month since cases started being recorded in 2015. The VDH's statistics align with the dangerous heatwave that hit the Commonwealth near the end of June; nearly 250 cases were reported on June 24 alone.

In 2024, extreme heat was the leading cause of weather-related death nationwide. One person in Virginia has died due to the heat this year.

VDH urges parents to take safety pledge as child drownings continue to rise across Virginia

"Extreme heat can make you very sick," said State Health Commissioner Karen Shelton in a July 25 press release. "We saw significant increases in emergency visits for heat-related illnesses in late June when temperatures and humidity surged. With the forecast calling for similar weather over the next few days, we urge everyone to be careful and take precautions."

In Central Virginia, much of the region has seen heat advisories issued as this second extreme heatwave arrives.

Here's some of the VDH's tips on how to stay safe during extreme heat:

• Drink lots of water. Staying hydrated is necessary to battle high heat. Don't wait until you're thirsty -- keep yourself hydrated consistently.
• Stay inside if you can. When indoors, you can stay out of the sunlight and ideally benefit from air conditioning.
  • If you don't have AC, click here to find a cooling center near you.
  • If you do need to go outside, check for active weather alerts before you do.
• Limit physical activity to cooler times. If you want to do things outdoors, try to only do so in the early morning or evening. Even then, take frequent breaks in the shade.
• Wear sunscreen. Choose a sunscreen that's at least SPF 15 and reapply it every two hours. You should also wear things like loose, lightweight clothing, sunglasses and/or a sun hat.
• Don't leave kids or pets in cars. It is never safe to leave a child or an animal inside a hot car, even in milder temperatures.
• Check on community members. Click here to learn how to recognize the signs of heat-related illness. Doing so could save a life.
  • If someone has hot, red skin, a strong pulse, a temperature of 103 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, or loses consciousness, call 911 immediately.

"If your plan to beat the heat includes pool or beach time, please keep a close eye on children," Shelton said in the release. "We have seen a concerning rise in child drowning deaths this year.”