Heat Wave Continues This Week

A heat advisory remains in effect until 10 p.m. today, so if you don't have to go outside, take it easy in your air-conditioned home or office.

The heat index reached 99 degrees by 2 p.m., and the National Weather Service expects that number to rise as high as 103 degrees during the day. The temperature could reach as high as 94.

The pool is still closed due to reconstruction, but you can still cool off for a $3 fee at . is open all day and free.

The 's Sing-a-Longs and Storytime in the Bayshore Town Square today has been canceled due to the heat advisory.

Tuesday night, the hosts a at 7 p.m. More events at the air-conditioned library are scheduled through the week. Visit the Patch Events Calendar for a full listing.

Staying cool and hydrated is important to prevent heat exhaustion. Lt. Jim Mayer, a firefighter and paramedic, said the most vulnerable people to heat are the very young and the elderly.

"The very elderly, sometimes they're not very mobile, so it's hard for them to get windows open or get air conditioning on," Mayer said. "So help out if you've got elderly neighbors or family members. Check on them to make sure that they at least have a fan and open the windows to move the air around a bit."

Heat exhaustion is one of the more common problems with the high temperatures.

Signs of heat exhaustion:

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Cramping
• Nausea/Vomiting

But there are some easy ways to avoid heat exhaustion. Mayer said the best way is to increase fluid intake by drinking plenty of water. However, if heat exhaustion is not caught, it can progress into heat stroke, which is even more dangerous.

"That's where the body loses so much fluid that it loses the ability to sweat to cool down the body," Mayer said. "They will have very hot and dry skin, very rapid heart beat and severe dehydration."