McCarty’s Cove in Marquette on Monday morning was starting to attract people seeking respite from the unusually high temperatures. (Journal photo by Annie Lippert)

MARQUETTE — Much of the Upper Peninsula Monday was under an extreme heat warning and temperatures are expected to remain elevated today before a cooling trend sets in.

According to the National Weather Service, heat index levels on Monday reached between 95 and 102 degrees.

“Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events,” said the NWS.

The elderly and those with preexisting health conditions are especially at risk for heat-related illness, as well as those who work outdoors.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heat-related illnesses include heat stroke, heat exhaustion, rhabdomyolysis, heat syncope, heat cramps and heat rash.

The most serious of these conditions is heat stroke, which “occurs when the body can no longer control its temperature: the body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down,” according to the CDC.

Symptoms of heat stroke include confusion, altered mental status, slurred speech, loss of consciousness (coma), hot, dry skin or profuse sweating, seizures, very high body temperature, and even death if left untreated.

If you notice someone with these symptoms, call 911. You can also move them to a shaded or air conditioned area and place cool, wet cloths on their head, neck, armpits and groin, or soak their clothing in cool water.

The NWS suggests that people drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioning when possible, stay out of the sun and check up on neighbors.

Annie Lippert can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 550. Her email address is alippert@miningjournal.net.