Stay Safe As Amarillo Faces Extreme Heat This Weekend

The temperatures in Amarillo and all over the Texas panhandle have been brutal recently. We've seen plenty of days in triple-digit temperatures, or at least awfully close to it. This weekend, though, isn't a question of whether or not we'll hit those intense highs, it's how high will it get. It's going to get extreme this weekend.

Dangerously High Temperatures Forecasted This Weekend In Amarillo

Looking at the National Weather Service in Amarillo's forecast for the weekend, you get the feeling that maybe you'd best stay inside. Their forecast has us well into the triple digits on Saturday and Sunday.

For Saturday, their forecast calls for highs in Amarillo to be around 103. On Sunday, we're looking at a high of around 102. In other areas of the panhandle, highs get closer to 110. Palo Duro Canyon, on both days, will be a degree or two away from 110. That's insanely hot weather for a hike.

How To Say Safe In The Extreme Heat This Weekend In The Panhandle

It's very important when temperatures get this high that you take extra steps to protect yourself from getting sick. Heat sickness is something none of us want to deal with, and it can get pretty bad really quickly.

To protect yourself, there are some steps you can take:

• Drink a lot of water
• Wear light-colored loose-fitting clothing
• Don't leave people or animals alone in a vehicle
• Spend as much time as possible in an air-conditioned space, or shade

Keep in mind, if you're thinking of braving the canyon, that the temperature in the canyon is hotter than it is outside the canyon. So if you think it's unbearable at your house, you might want to rethink how you go about your trip. If you're heading to the canyon:

• Take a liter of water, per person, per mile
• Hike in the morning or the evening. Skip going in the heat of the day.
• Don't go alone. Take someone with you in case you need help.
• If you take your pet, take the same amount of water for them that you are bringing for yourself (1 liter per mile)
• For the love of all that's holy, stay on the trails. It's easier to find you if something should happen. It's also a little harder for you to get lost that way.

Whatever you decide to do this weekend, take care of yourself and be safe doing it.