Ready for triple digits?
Well, get ready, because that’s where temperatures are headed, according to weather forecasters. And depending on which one you ask, those 100-plus highs could be here for one day or several.
After a high in the mid-80s today, the National Weather Service predicts highs climbing to the mid-90s on Thursday and near 100 on Friday. On Saturday, the mercury won’t stop rising until it hits 102, according to the service.
If that happens, Friday’s high temperature would match a record set in 1945.
The service then forecasts things will cool down to 98 on Sunday and 97 on Monday.
More than one record could fall according to the five-day forecast issued by Weather Underground. That service predicts a high Thursday of 91 followed by highs Friday through Sunday of 102, 100 and 102.
Both services say conditions will be clear to partly cloudy through the weekend, meaning there will be little respite from the sun when you’re outdoors.
Medical experts say to watch out for cramps, the first sign your body is overheating. Untreated, that can lead to heat stroke. Most at risk are children, the elderly and people with health problems.
Some recommendations for protecting yourself in extreme heat are to drink plenty of fluids such as water, wear sunscreen and cool, loose clothing, and if you’re working or playing outside, take breaks.