The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory from noon Tuesday until 9 p.m. today, and as expected the heat index skyrocketed above 100 degrees Tuesday.

The heat index is determined by how it really feels outside when relative humidity is taken into account.

At 2 p.m. on Tuesday, the National Weather Service recorded temperatures at 99 degrees in Troy but with a heat index of 108 degrees. Pike County Emergency Management Director Jeanna Barnes said the combination of hot temperatures and such high humidity had come together to create a sticky situation.

“High humidity combined with hot temperatures can create a situation in which heat illnesses are likely, and people are encouraged to drink plenty of fluids while outside working,” Barnes said. “It’s also recommended to stay out of the sun and in a room that is air-conditioned.”

With the heat advisory in affect until 9 p.m. today, Barnes said it was encouraged to take extra precautions if working outside or having to spend lengthy amounts of time outside.

“When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to the early morning or late evening when the sun is setting,” Barnes said. “Always wear light weight and loose-fitting clothing when possible. The Occupational Health Administration even recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks taken in a shaded area or in air-conditioned environments.”

Barnes also suggests that if spending lengthy amounts of time outdoors working is unavoidable to be aware of the signs and symptoms of heat related illnesses that can be prevented.

“Heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke can all be prevented by taking the necessary steps,” Barnes said. “Heat cramps are muscle spasms resulting from a loss of large amounts of salt and water. Heat exhaustion is simply an over exposure to heat and can be a precursor to a heat stroke if proper care is not taken. Heat strokes are life-threatening and mark when a person’s core body temperature reaches above 103 degrees. If a person is exhibiting an altered metal state combined with headache, confusion, dizziness and a rapid and strong pulse, seek medical attention immediately.”

While it is recommended that a person experiencing heat exhaustion is offered small sips of water, Barnes said a person exhibiting signs more closely related to a heat stroke are not to be given fluids.

Barnes also reminds parents and guardians to never leave children unattended in a vehicle even if windows are down.

“Always make sure all children are out of the car once you get where you’re going,” Barnes said. “Temperatures inside a car can quickly rise to unsafe temperatures when parked in the heat.”

According to The Weather Channel, today’s forecasted high will be 97 degrees with a 20 percent chance of rain, but the chance of rain will jump to 30 percent Wednesday evening and to 60 percent for Thursday. Thursday’s forecasted high is 92 degrees, a slight decrease from Wednesday.