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WILLMAR -- It is going to get hot throughout Minnesota over the next few days, with highs in the 90s and heat indices reaching 100 to 110 degrees, according to an excessive heat warning issued by the National Weather Service.
Starting Wednesday dangerously hot and humid conditions are expected in much of Minnesota including the counties of Kandiyohi, Renville, Chippewa, Swift, Meeker, Yellow Medicine, Lac qui Parle, Pope and Stearns counties.
Temperatures are expected to rise into the 90s during the day and nightfall will bring little relief, only dropping into the low 70s.
Dew points will be high as well, 75 to 80 degrees.
The Weather Service warns of a higher risk of heat related illnesses, especially for those working outside or do not have access to air conditioning.
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Precautionary actions to reduce the risk include putting off strenuous activities until early morning or evening, when temperatures will be at their lowest.
Also drink plenty of water and wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration also recommended frequent rest breaks in a cool area if one must be outside.
It is also important to know the signs of heat related illnesses. These illnesses include heat rash, cramps, exhaustion, and the most dangerous, heat stroke.
Signs of heat exhaustion, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, include cool, moist skin, heavy sweating, headache, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, light headedness,thirst, irritability and a fast heartbeat.
Heat stroke signs include confusion, fainting, seizures, excessive sweating or red, hot, dry skin and very high body temperature.
People suffering these symptoms should be placed in a shady, cool area, provided fluids and cooled down. Medical attention should be sought as well.
The weather warning advises people to keep an eye on relatives and neighbors.
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It also warns that children and pets should never be left in vehicles unattended in any circumstances.
However, when it gets this hot the situation can quickly turn deadly, with interior vehicle temperatures reaching lethal limits within minutes.
The American Veterinary Medical Association reports the internal temperature in a vehicle can increase nearly 20 degrees in 10 minutes.
The weather is expected to cool off starting Saturday, with a high of 83 and a chance of thunderstorms.
Nighttime lows are forecasted to be in the low 60s.
