STILLWATER, Okla. — A heat advisory remains in effect through Saturday, according to the National Weather Service in Oklahoma City.

So far in July, Stillwater has seen triple digit temperatures every day to total 13 consecutive days of at least 100-degree heat. The high this summer was 112 degrees on July 9.

Daryl Williams, a National Weather Service forecaster, says dry conditions have decimated vegetation, leaving no moisture in the ground. This combined with little rain or cold fronts is the cause for the unrelenting warmth.

Stillwater temperatures are expected to reach up to 106 degrees through the week. Williams said there is a strong possibility the heat advisory could be extended beyond the weekend, as night time temperatures remain in the upper 70s to low 80s.  

Stillwater Medical Center has reported one heat-related illness each day the past three days, said spokeswoman Shyla Eggers. She said the numbers are not uncommon.

“People have probably learned to take precautions with this kind of heat,” Eggers said.

Here are some tips from the Oklahoma State Department of Health’s website to avoid heat-related illness.

- Never leave a person or a pet in a parked closed vehicle.

- Drink more fluids, regardless of your activity level. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.

- Don’t drink liquids that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar. These cause you to lose more body fluid.

- Avoid very cold drinks because they can cause stomach cramps.  

- Stay indoors and in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to the public library or any other designated cool zone like the senior center, the Salvation Army or the Red Cross. Even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat.    

- Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.

- Although anyone at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others. Check regularly on infants and young children, people aged 65 or older, people who have a mental illness, and those who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure.

- If you need to be outside, limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours. Cut down on exercise. If you must exercise, drink two to four glasses of cool, nonalcoholic fluids each hour. A sports beverage can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat. However, if you are on a low-salt diet, talk with your doctor before drinking a sports beverage. Try to rest often in shady areas. Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. Use sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher.

“If you experience signs of heat stress such as dizziness, rapid heartbeat, diarrhea, nausea, cramps, throbbing headache, dry skin (no sweating), chest pain, great weakness, mental changes, breathing problems, or vomiting, contact your health care provider immediately,” said Payne County Health Department Administrative Director Annette O’Connor.