06/30/2026
The State of Michigan has released information on dealing with the extreme heat we are experiencing:
Protect Yourself From the Heat
The National Weather Service is expecting hot and humid conditions for this entire week. The hottest days are expected to be Tuesday through Thursday with temperatures in the high 90s and heat index values above 100 degrees.
When it is very hot, there is an increased risk of heat-related illness, including heat exhaustion. If not treated, heat exhaustion can worsen and lead to heat stroke or death. Humidity can make high temperatures feel even hotter. These conditions make it harder for the body to sweat and cool itself down. In addition to the daily temperature, residents should pay attention to the daily heat index, which gives a more accurate picture of how hot it feels outside.
To stay healthy when it is hot, residents are encouraged to:
Drink more fluids and avoid liquids with large amounts of sugar or alcohol.
Limit outdoor activities to when it is coolest, generally in the early morning and late evening.
Spend time indoors in air conditioning.
Check to make sure your air conditioner filters are clean and the unit is working properly.
Wear lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothing.
Wear sunscreen, as sunburn affects a body’s ability to cool down.
Check on elderly neighbors and relatives to determine if they need assistance.
Never leave children or pets unattended in cars, even with the windows cracked.
Call 211 or contact your local health department to locate a cooling center in your area.
In addition to reaching out to Michigan 211 to locate cooling centers, residents can also spend some time at an air-conditioned store, shopping mall or other public building – even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help.
Heatstroke occurs when the body is unable to regulate its temperature and can result in death if not treated promptly. If you suspect someone has heatstroke, call 911 immediately. While waiting for help, move them to a cooler environment and begin cooling them down, use a cool bath, mist their body with cool water, or apply cool cloths to the neck, armpits, and groin. Signs of heat-related illness vary but may include:
Heavy sweating, Muscle cramps, Weakness, Confusion, Slurred speech, Dizziness, Headache, Nausea, Vomiting, Fainting, High body temperature (above 103 degrees), Tiredness.
For more information about how to protect yourself and your loved ones from heat-related illness, see the MDHHS Heat Awareness and Safety Fact Sheet, which is also available in Spanish.
Protect Your Community
To help keep your community safe, consider checking on your neighbors and those in a high-risk group, and never leave anyone or an animal in an unattended vehicle.
While anyone’s health can be impacted, those most at risk include those without access to cooling or adequate hydration. Additional high-risk groups include: pregnant people, older people, children, people with chronic conditions such as diabetes, respiratory disease, and cardiovascular disease, those on certain medications such as certain antipsychotics, certain antidepressants and diuretics, people who live alone, and those who may be more exposed to heat including: outdoor workers, low-income individuals, and people who exercise outside.
For those without access to air conditioning, call 211 or contact your local health department to find out if there is a cooling center nearby. You can also spend some time at an air-conditioned store, shopping mall, or other public building – even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help.
Use Energy Wisely
We can all do our part to use energy wisely and in a way that prioritizes safety from extreme temperatures during periods of high heat which can stress the power grid.
Tips to beat the heat and save money:
Close curtains and shades on windows during the day to keep the sun from heating the inside of your home.
Make sure your windows are closed when your AC is on.
Set your air conditioner to a comfortable temperature and set it higher during the hours when you’re not home.
Keep your AC system free of leaves and other debris, have the system serviced regularly, replace your air filter monthly or as needed, and shut off vents to unused or unoccupied rooms to help reduce your cooling costs.
Consider serving cool foods like sandwiches, salads, and cold side dishes so you don’t have to use your oven or stove when it’s excessively hot outside or using a crock pot or outdoor grill. If you do cook in the kitchen, use an exhaust fan to blow hot air out.
Use dishwashers, ovens, washers and dryers, and other energy-intensive appliances during the morning or later in the evening to help reduce stress on the electric grid during the hottest daytime hours. The state’s two largest electric utilities, DTE Electric, and Consumers Energy, institute higher rates during summertime peak weekday hours, so customers who use energy-intensive appliances during morning or late evening hours will pay less to use them.
