After a long stretch of cool, wet weather, the area is expected to experience its first heat wave of the season over the next several days.

Under mostly sunny skies, temperatures are expected to quickly rise from the upper 80s today, into the upper 90s by Monday, according to the National Weather Service.

An extreme heat watch has been issued for the area beginning on Sunday and lasting through Wednesday, with heat indexes, commonly referred to as the “real feel.”

These temperatures can result in dangerous conditions for those with certain medical conditions, the elderly, and those working outside.

Residents are urged to keep up to date on the latest information, as well as possible additional watches and warnings, National Weather Service meteorologist Aaron Tyburski said.

“We would like to get out a watch issued ahead of time, so people know that some very high temperatures are coming,” he said.

“We want people to use common sense, try to limit their activities to morning and evening time when it’s a little cooler, or even at nighttime if they can, and try to stay out of doing any strenuous work in the hot sun,” Tyburski stressed.

Staying hydrated with water should be a high priority for anyone out in the sweltering heat.

“Lessen the caffeinated beverages and alcohol, because that dehydrates the body,” Tyburski said.

“Your body is going to sweat that out as it tries to cool itself off, so it’s going to be sweating out a lot of water, so you want to replace that,” he said.

Tyburski also advises wearing light colored clothing that reflects sunlight, as well as being a good neighbor.

“Checking on elderly or those with any type of condition that the heat might cause problems for and make sure they’re okay, and helping them if maybe they don’t have air conditioning or something like that,” he said.

These protocols are taken extremely seriously by those in industries that are regularly exposed to excessive temperatures, including Ed Jamison, Project Superintendent of McCoy Brothers, Inc.

“We use sun block, drink lots of water, everybody’s got a lot of water. Stay out of the sun, take more breaks, and hide in the shade, a little bit,” he said.

“We go over it with everybody, so they don’t get overheated, especially when you’re doing stuff like this, and you’re up high on a crane, you’ve got to pay attention,” Jamison stressed.

Jamison also uses a hard hat with fringes along the sides to help shield his ears from the sun.

In recent years, hard hats with built-in fans have started to hit the market, he added.

Its not just humans that are at risk from the onslaught of high temperatures, as special attention should also be paid to our furry friends, according to McKenzie Luongo, Hospital Manager and Peer Development Partner for The Animal Hospital on the Golden Strip.

Pets should never be kept in a parked car.

“Even with cracked windows, temperatures can soar in minutes,” she said in an email to the Sun-Gazette.

Pets should always have constant access to fresh water, and be provided shade and airflow if pets must be outside, though outdoor activity should be avoided during peak heat between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Luongo said in

Dogs should be walked during the early morning or late evening.

Those walking them can test the pavement by placing their own hand on the pavement.

“If it’s too hot for your skin, it’s too hot for your paws,” she stressed in the email, adding that if they must walk outside, booties are available to protect their paws.

Luongo also suggests using cooling vests or mats.

Signs of heatstroke to be mindful of include excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, vomiting, or collapse.

Those caring for dogs should also be watchful for bloat, which can happen when a dog gulps water, air, or food quickly during or after exercise or heat exposure. This can cause their stomach to fill with gas and potentially twist, Luongo said.

To avoid bloat, after exercise or heat exposure, canines should be offered small amounts of water at a time, rather than full bowls.

The water should be cool, but not freezing, Luongo said, stressing that ice water can cause stomach cramping.

Cats should be kept indoors with either fans or an air conditioner, provided cool resting spots, such as ceramic tiles and shaded corners, and as always, kept well hydrated, she said in the email.

As with household pets, horses and other livestock should be provided ample water and electrolytes, Luongo said.

Any shelter should be well ventilated and any owners should avoid working with or transporting them during peak hours.

Hosing down or utilizing a misting system can also be used to help keep them cool.