The Extreme Heat Warning covering Fishers and the rest of Hamilton County has been extended and now remains in effect until 8 p.m. Friday, the National Weather Service in Indianapolis says, as a stubborn stretch of dangerous heat and humidity continues to grip central Indiana.
The warning had originally been set to expire Thursday evening, but forecasters extended it as the oppressive heat pattern showed no signs of breaking down on schedule. Heat index values — how hot it actually feels once humidity is factored in — are expected to reach as high as 109 to 110 degrees through the warning period. Confidence is slightly lower for Friday itself, since a chance of afternoon showers and storms could offer some relief, but the Weather Service says the risk of dangerous heat remains high enough to keep the warning in place through the evening.
“Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events,” the Weather Service said, urging residents across the warned area to take the conditions seriously.
Hamilton County Emergency Management Urges Continued Caution
Hamilton County Emergency Management is echoing the Weather Service’s call for residents to drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned spaces, avoid direct sun during peak hours, and check on relatives and neighbors — especially older adults, young children, and those without reliable air conditioning — who may be more vulnerable to the heat.
For those staying indoors, officials recommend keeping blinds or curtains closed to block out the sun, using fans or portable air conditioners to improve circulation, wearing light and breathable clothing, and cooling down with damp cloths as needed.
Not everyone has the option to stay inside. For those who must be outdoors, emergency management officials advise planning activity for early morning or evening hours when temperatures are cooler, taking frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas, and carrying water or an electrolyte drink to sip throughout the day. Residents are reminded to never leave children, older adults, or pets in a parked car, even briefly.
Know the Signs of Heat Illness
Officials are urging everyone to stay alert for symptoms of heat illness, including headache, dizziness, nausea, muscle cramps, and general weakness. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should move to a cooler area and hydrate right away. If someone stops sweating, becomes confused, or loses consciousness, it could be heat stroke — call 911 immediately.
The Extreme Heat Warning remains in effect for a large swath of Indiana, including central, east central, north central, south central, southeast, southwest, and west central portions of the state, until 8 p.m. Friday.