Summer is making its presence felt early this week. Hamilton County is under a Heat Advisory from noon Monday until 8 p.m. Thursday, and the Hamilton County Emergency Management Agency (HCEMA) is urging residents to take the heat seriously as the season’s first prolonged hot stretch settles over central Indiana.

The National Weather Service in Indianapolis reports that heat index values — what the temperature actually feels like when humidity is factored in — could climb as high as 108 degrees. The advisory covers portions of central, east central, north central, south central, southeast, southwest, and west central Indiana, including Fishers and the rest of Hamilton County.

The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity can cause heat illnesses, and the danger builds over consecutive days as bodies have less time to recover overnight. The Weather Service recommends drinking plenty of fluids, staying in an air-conditioned room, staying out of the sun, and checking up on relatives and neighbors who may be more vulnerable to the heat.

Tips from Hamilton County Emergency Management

If you have to be outside this week, HCEMA encourages residents to plan carefully:

• Time it right. Schedule activities for early morning or evening, when temperatures are lower.
• Find shade and rest often. Seek shade whenever possible and take frequent breaks to give your body time to recover.
• Hydrate, and replace electrolytes. Bring water with you and sip often. If you are sweating heavily, choose drinks that replace electrolytes to stay balanced.
• Use evaporation to your advantage. Placing damp cloths on your neck or wearing lightly wet clothing can help cool you down as the moisture evaporates.
• Never leave anyone in a parked car. Never leave children, older adults, or pets in vehicles. Temperatures inside a car rise quickly and become life-threatening within minutes.

“Your safety comes first, so take every step to protect yourself outdoors,” the agency said in its advisory.

Working Outside? Take Extra Precautions

For those who work outdoors, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool, shaded location.

Know the warning signs of heat illness — heavy sweating, dizziness, nausea, muscle cramps, headache, and weakness. If someone stops sweating, becomes confused, or loses consciousness, it may be heat stroke. Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Call 911 immediately.

Check on Neighbors

Older adults, young children, people with chronic health conditions, and those without reliable air conditioning face the greatest risk during extended heat. A quick phone call or knock on the door to check on a neighbor or relative can make all the difference this week.

Residents looking for a place to cool off can take advantage of air-conditioned public spaces such as local libraries and community buildings during regular hours. For the latest forecast and any updates to the advisory, visit the National Weather Service at weather.gov/indianapolis.

The Heat Advisory remains in effect until 8 p.m. EDT Thursday.