The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory through Sunday as temperatures are expected to climb above the century mark throughout the Central Valley.

The temperature is forecast to hit 106 degrees in Turlock on Saturday and near 100 on Sunday. The rest of the week will see highs in the upper 90s.

A Heat Advisory means that a prolonged period of hot temperatures is expected and will create a situation in which heat illnesses are possible. Extreme heat poses a substantial health risk, especially for vulnerable populations including young children, the elderly, those with chronic diseases or disabilities, pregnant women and people who are socially isolated.

Heat-related illness includes: cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and death. Warning signs of heat-related illnesses may include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, headache and nausea. Vomiting, paleness, tiredness and dizziness can also be indicators of heat-related illness.

To prevent overheating, use cool compresses, misting, showers and baths. The California Department of Health urges residents to seek medical attention if experiencing a rapid, strong pulse, a feeling of delirious or for those with a body temperature above 102 degrees.

In areas where air quality is poor, people with heart disease, asthma or other respiratory diseases should reduce or eliminate their outdoor activities, according to state officials.

CDPH offers the following tips to stay safe during this period of excessive heat:

·         - Never leave infants, children, elderly or pets in a parked car. It can take as little as 10 minutes for the temperature inside a car to rise to levels that can kill.

·         - Drink plenty of water or juice, even if you are not thirsty. Avoid alcohol.

·        -  If you don’t have air conditioning, visit a cooling center or a public place with air conditioning (such as a shopping mall or library) to cool off for a few hours each day.

·         - Avoid outdoor physical exertion during the hottest parts of the day. Reduce exposure to the sun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. when UV rays are strongest, and keep physical activities to a minimum during that time.

·        -  Wear a wide-brimmed hat to cover the face and neck, wear loose-fitting clothing to keep cool and to protect your skin from the sun.

·       -  Regularly check on any elderly relatives or friends who live alone. Many may be on medications which increase likelihood of dehydration.

·         - Liberally apply sunscreen (at least SPF 15) 15 minutes before venturing outdoors and re-apply at least every two hours – sunscreen may reduce the risk of skin cancer, the number one cancer affecting Californians.

More tips for preventing heat-related illness and tips for treating heat-related illness can be found at: www.cdph.ca.gov/