National Weather Service: Take Precautions if You Plan to be Outside in the Heat

(KNSI) — Today will be the second in a string of days where the mercury is set to soar. It has been a while since Minnesota has seen such heat, and the National Weather Service is reminding people to be aware of their health and the health of those around them.

If you plan to be outside for any length of time, drink plenty of water and avoid strenuous activity during the afternoon when the sun is the most intense, and the temp is the highest. Do things like exercise or yard work earlier in the morning or later in the evening. If work can’t be put off, take plenty of breaks in the air conditioning or shade and know the signs of heat-related illnesses.

Also, check in on neighbors who may not have air conditioning or are elderly or ill, and never leave kids or pets inside a parked car. Even with the windows rolled down or parked in the shade, it can get extremely hot inside.

Consumer Reports testing found that even when it was 61 degrees outside, the temperature inside a closed car reached more than 105 in just one hour.

A system approaching from the west will bring in some showers and thunderstorms this weekend, and behind it, temps in the upper 70s.

If you’re looking for some places to beat the heat, the splash pads and pools are open around St. Cloud.

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