With weather forecasts calling for sweltering conditions this week, it’s important to keep cool.

Meteorologist Jessica Chase at the Birmingham National Weather Service office warned that while most of the state will most likely remain below Heat Advisory conditions, temperatures will still be hot enough to be harmful.

“A strong high pressure system is settling in central Alabama, and with that chances of precipitation decrease and temperatures increase,” Chase said. “Heat index values are meeting and exceeding 100°. Overnight lows remain high, around 70, so there won’t be much of a break from it.”

The high on Monday reached 94 degrees, and the highs expected for Tuesday through Wednesday are forcasted to stay around 97 to 99 degrees. The temperature is forecasted to drop to 91 on Friday.

Head index values factor in the relative humidity of the air, which makes it feel hotter, along with the actual temperature of the air.

Troy Parks and Recreation Department Director Dan Smith recommends to make sure you drink plenty of water and sports drinks, and to stay away from colas and other sugary drinks.

“If you are fishing, swimming, laying out, going to a ball game, it doesn’t not take long for the body to lose it’s water that’s built up,” Smith said. “It’s important to continue to drink as you sweat.”

Sunscreen and staying in the shade are important in preventing sunburn and sun damage, and Recreation Center lifeguard Eric Mcquitty knows how important this is.

“Hit the shade, that’s why we have the umbrellas out here,” Mcquitty said. “ Always stay hydrated and don’t over exert yourself.”

Chase said it’s important to check on neighbors, especially those without central heating and cooling, and pets.

“Give pets a break from the heat if you can, the heat feels to them as it would feel to you if you were standing outside,” Chase said.