Warmer temperatures are in the state of Iowa, and a representative from the National Weather Service delivers precautions to take to prevent heat-related illnesses.

Meteorologist Alexis Jimenez tells Raccoon Valley Radio that with the temperatures rising, it’s important to stay hydrated, especially when outside for long periods of time. Also, she explains to move outdoor activities to a cooler part of the day and to wear sunscreen and lighter clothing. Jimenez describes that exposure from too much sun can result in a couple of heat related illnesses, including heat exhaustion or heatstroke.

“The important thing when you have heat exhaustion is to move to a cooler area, try to move into some air conditioning, get some cool water in you to stay hydrated and just wait for those symptoms to subside. Heat stroke is the more severe one that you might feel and that comes in more with confusion, dizziness, you can become unconscious with that, that’s more of an emergency situation that needs some medical attention.”

Jimenez also implores people to double check on pets and elderly individuals that are sensitive to heat. The National Weather Service indicates that temperatures will remain in the upper 80s to lower 90s through the weekend.