Riding the heat wave

  • Published
  • By Ashley Mangin
  • 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs volunteer
LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. --  It comes as no surprise that August has been hot, but what may be surprising is just how hot it's been.

Little Rock Air Force Base has seen the hottest temperature since July 18, 1986, when the high was 113 degrees.

Aug. 3 saw a high of 107 degrees Fahrenheit on the flight line, with the rest of the week not far behind. The heat index has fluctuated steadily between 110 and 115 degrees.

"We can confirm that these are record temperatures," said Alfred Brooks, 19th Airlift Wing weather forecast technician.

The bio-environmental engineering flight closely monitors the heat to keep Combat Airlifters safe and aware of current conditions through the heat stress warnings.

"The heat stress stages are a linear indication of the environment outside when talking about the risks to workers outdoors," said Tech. Sgt. Peter Johnson, 19th Aerospace Medicine Squadron bio-environmental flight NCO-in-charge.

The heat stress advisories are meant to keep Airmen safe while working outside, especially on the flight line. Every heat stress level tells members the safest amount of time to be outside. Level one allows all moderate daily activity with level five suggesting 40 minutes of rest for every 20 minutes of work.

Little Rock AFB has been under a near constant heat stress advisory with the earliest level five being at 9 a.m. Aug. 11.

During record-breaking heat, there are some things everyone can do to stay safe.

"All personnel should know what heat stress stage they're in," Sergeant Johnson said. "Supervisors should be able to communicate to their people what that means. Everyone should stay hydrated and stay safe."

When the weather is hot, seek shade, take breaks and drink plenty of water to stay mission ready.