The Metro: How to stay safe during a severe heat warning

, , , June 30, 2026

Southeast Michigan is under a severe heat warning through Thursday with heat index readings expected to exceed 105 degrees. Dr. Phillip Levy joined The Metro to describe how to stay safe and prevent heat-related illness.

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Nearly all of Michigan is under an extreme heat warning or advisory as we approach Independence Day weekend, with the heat index — what it actually feels like outside— exceeding 105 degrees Fahrenheit in many places. 

In a heat wave with high humidity, like this one, babies, children and the elderly are at a higher risk of heat-related illness. Knowing the right precautions to take can save lives.

Dr. Phillip Levy is an emergency physician and professor at Wayne State University’s School of Medicine. He joined Robyn Vincent on The Metro to explain how the body cools itself and describe essential preventative measures to take during a heatwave. 

Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on demand.

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Authors

  • David Leins is the senior producer of WDET’s daily news and culture program, The Metro. He has produced several award-winning podcasts and multimedia series at WDET including Tracked and Traced, Science of Grief and COVID Diaries, which earned a National Edward R. Murrow Award for Excellence in Innovation. He previously led WDET’s StoryMakers program. David has an M.A. in Media Arts and Studies from Wayne State University, and a B.A. in anthropology from Grand Valley State University with a minor in Arabic. David teaches podcasting at Wayne State University and is an alumnus of the Transom Audio Storytelling Workshop.

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  • Robyn Vincent

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  • Owen Armentrout
    Owen Armentrout is a social media and copywriting intern, but he’s eager to write a story whenever the opportunity presents itself. He is currently a student at Wayne State University, studying journalism and film. His work has been featured in The Borgen Project as well as The South End. When he’s not editing articles or crafting ones of his own, he enjoys writing music, making short films, and snapping photos.

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    Digital intern https://hh7003.wixsite.com/owenarmentrout
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