Excessive heat warning

The National Weather Service in northern Indiana says that an excessive heat warning remains in effect from 11 a.m. today until 8 p.m. Saturday for the Indiana counties of Adams, Allen, Blackford, Cass, DeKalb, Elkhart, Fulton, Grant, Huntington, Jay, Kosciusko, LaPorte, LaGrange, Marshall, Miami, Noble, Pulaski, St. Joseph, Starke, Steuben, Wabash, Wells, White and Whitley.

Very hot conditions will occur today through Saturday, with highs in the middle to upper 90s and lows in the lower to middle 70s. The heat index will peak near 100 degrees each afternoon this week.

Smoke from western wildfires and the combination of the stagnant air mass and elevated ozone levels will also result in poor air quality during this period.

A hot air mass over the Plains states today will shift slowly east this week, the weather service said. A cold front is expected to move through the area over the weekend, bringing cooler temperatures by Sunday.

The longer the heat persists, the greater the health danger. Older adults and young children are especially susceptible to the effects of the heat.

Thousands in northeast Indiana and northwest Ohio remain without power after the recent severe thunderstorms. Those without air conditioning in their homes should try to spend a part of each day in an air-conditioned environment, the weather service said.

People are advised to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room as much as possible, stay out of the sun and check up on relatives and neighbors. and take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside.

When possible, reschedule strenous activities to early mornings or late evenings.

Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water, the weather service said.

Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency; call 911.