Office of Sustainability Shares Summer Heat Information

Heat advisory in effect for Indianapolis; how to prepare for this week’s forecast of high temperatures

INDIANAPOLIS— A heat advisory is in effect for Tuesday, August 24 from 2:00 to 9:00 p.m., and Indianapolis is forecasted to experience temperatures in the low- to mid-90s all this week. This summer, North America endured its hottest June on record, and summer is not over yet. The Indianapolis Office of Sustainability is spreading the word about the risks of extreme heat and individual actions you can take to cool off during the dog days of summer.

Residents are reminded that Indy Parks operates splash pads at 20 locations around Marion County. They are open daily through Labor Day; visit parks.indy.gov for more information or call (317) 327-PARK for questions. Park visitors are to practice social distancing and proper hygiene during their visit. Parks facilities and public libraries are also available for residents to keep cool in indoor, air conditioned spaces.

Here are twelve individual actions you can take to help keep cool while maximizing efficiency:

  • Set your ceiling fan to counter-clockwise. This pulls hot air towards the ceiling and further away from you.

  • Shade east- and west-facing windows to prevent extra heat from coming in during sunrise and sunset. Use outdoor awnings or indoor blinds or shades.

  • Keep windows closed during the day to limit humidity coming into your living space. Open windows at night when it is cooler outside.

  • Try using heat-producing appliances like dishwashers, dryers, and large lamps only at night. This helps limit extra heat getting trapped in your living space.

  • Be smart about how you cook. Ovens and stove tops release heat, so try using them only after the sun has gone down or consider using smaller appliances like slow cookers.

  • Connect with a friend or family member who may be at high-risk of heat-related diseases from age or pre-existing condition. Commit to checking in on them on high heat days.

  • Turn on the exhaust fans in your kitchen and bathroom while cooking and showering. These fans help pull hot air up and out of your living space.

  • Cool air falls to lower levels. If you have a basement, hang out there during the day.

  • Instead of turning your air conditioner up, try placing a bowl of ice in front of your fans to help cool down the air.

  • If you use a box fan, be sure you're using it correctly. Place it on the ground facing a wall without anything obstructing air flow. The air then bounces off the wall and circulates cool air throughout the room.

  • Keep your body cool by drinking plenty of water, wearing light colored cotton clothing, apply a cold cloth to your wrists and neck, and swap fleece sheets for cotton.

  • Check your local news for heat warnings so you can prepare yourself and your family in advance.


Heat is the number one weather-related killer, but heat-related deaths are preventable. Research has also shown a relationship between hotter temperatures and violent crime: murder and other violent crimes tend to be more frequent in the hot summer months.

The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department's Emergency Management Bureau also reminds residents of the risks and signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

If you experience signs of heat exhaustion (feeling faint or dizzy; excessive sweating; cool, pale, clammy skin; nausea or vomiting; rapid, weak pulse; and/or muscle cramps), it's important to get to a cool, air conditioned space, drink water, and use cold compresses or take a cool shower.

If you or someone you know experiences signs of heat stroke (throbbing headache; no sweating; body temperature above 103 degrees; red, hot, dry skin; nausea or vomiting; rapid, strong pulse; and/or loss of consciousness), call 911 and take immediate action to cool off the person until help arrives.

Additional heat safety tips include:

  • If you work outside, stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade as often as possible.

  • When staying hydrated, remember that alcohol and caffeine lead to dehydration.

  • Look before you lock - never leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle.

  • Bring pets indoors and ensure they have plenty of water to drink. Report dogs left outside for extended periods utilizing the RequestIndy website or mobile app, calling the Mayor's Action Center at 317-327-4622 or the police non-emergency line at 317-327-3811.

  • Limit strenuous outdoor activities.

  • Consider carrying an umbrella for immediate shade.

Lindsay Trameri