By Savannah Peak

Temperatures are predicted to be above normal this summer, according to the National Weather Service.

Atmore has started the month of June in the low 90s. This week started out at 82 degrees and we will eventually be up to 93 degrees through Sunday.

Temperatures for the week are expected to reach the lower 90s.

Extreme heat and high humidity leads to the slowing of evaporation, which makes the body work hard to maintain a normal temperature, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

The EPA has some tips to deal with the excessive heat.

They include:

• Using air conditioners or spend time in air-conditioned locations such as malls and libraries

• Using portable electric fans to exhaust hot air from rooms or draw in cooler air

• Taking a cool bath or shower

• Minimizing direct exposure to the sun

• Stay hydrated – regularly drink water or other nonalcoholic fluids

• Eat light, cool, easy-to-digest foods such as fruit or salads

• Wear loose fitting, light-colored clothes

• Check on older, sick or frail people who may need help responding to the heat

• Know the symptoms of excessive heat exposure and the appropriate responses.

• Don’t direct the flow of portable electric fans toward yourself when room temperature is hotter than 90 degrees

• Don’t leave children and pets alone in cars for any amount of time

• Don’t drink alcohol to try to stay cool

• Don’t eat heavy, hot or hard-to-digest foods

• Don’t wear heavy, or dark clothing.

Some of the most common heat related illnesses are heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a list of warning signs and first aid steps on their website.

To learn more about the signs, visit CDC.gov