• Summer has hit and the temperatures are soaring. High temperature forecasts this week are in the 90's for this week with some areas predicting that the temperature will go over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Extreme heat like this causes heat related illness and can kill.
• Heat is the number one weather-related killer in the United States, resulting in hundreds of  fatalities each year. In fact, on average, excessive heat claims more lives each year than floods, lightning, tornadoes and hurricanes combined.
• A heat advisory is in effect starting this afternoon and continuing through Thursday for much of northeastern South Dakota, according to the National Weather Service in Aberdeen.
• Temperatures today are expected to hit 100 degrees, with humidity that will make it feel more like 105 degrees, said Travis Tarver, meteorologist with the weather service.
• "It will be humid all week," Tarver said. "The only chance of rain is a 20 percent chance of thunderstorms today in the late afternoon."
• The normal high temperature for July 1 is 82 degrees.
• During extended periods of extreme heat, it's important to drink plenty of water and limit the intake of alcoholic and caffeinated beverages. If you must be outdoors, take frequent water breaks in the shade. Seniors and those with underlying chronic conditions should be especially careful not to overexert themselves. It is also a good idea to make frequent checks on pets and neighbors, who may need help responding to the heat.
• Below find some facts about extreme heat and ways to avoid heat related illness.

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