Extreme heat in West TN: What you need to know to stay safe

July 21, 2025

Jordan Hubbard,

JACKSON, Tenn. — As extreme heat rages on in West Tennessee, we have some information that could end up saving a life.

With the heat forecast set to only get worse, we answer some frequently asked questions about heat with help from NWS Memphis Meteorologist Caitlin Dirkes.

Prioritizing water intake is crucial. If you’re feeling thirsty, you’re already behind on replacing water in your body. Also, make sure to eat smaller meals more frequently to replenish salt lost by sweating.

“There isn’t a specific amount because everybody’s vulnerability to heat and the activity are different, but it’s most important to prioritize the water and limit your other intake that’s higher in sugar or alcohol or caffeine,” said Dirkes.

Avoid high protein meals as they increase heat generated by your body. Fruits, vegetables and salads will keep you nourished as low protein meals.

To protect yourself from intense rays, wear sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats. Also, take frequent breaks in the shade and apply sunscreen rated SPF 30 or higher every 2 hours.

“In a very high UV index, which is 8-10, sunburn can occur in as little as 15 minutes, and then once you have that extreme UV index, which is what we have today and pretty much the rest of this week over the mid-south which is 11+, sunburn can occur in as little as 10 minutes,” said Dirkes.

For reference, the UV index in Jackson was at 10.9 at 1pm, meaning sunburn would occur in under 15 minutes.

“So generally speaking, the temperature inside of a car can heat up 30 to 40 degrees higher than the outside temperature within an hour,” said Dirkes.

We used one of our own WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News vehicles to test this. Our vehicle was at 106 degrees at 12pm, by 12:30pm, it was up to 140, and by 1pm it had gone off the scale, likely near 150 degrees.