The highest temperatures so far in 2009 hit the area this week, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a heat advisory for the Cape Girardeau area and much of the region from noon to 7 p.m. today.

Southeast Missouri, Southern Illinois, western Kentucky and southwest Indiana are in the advisory area.

Temperatures in the 90s and high humidity levels are expected to continue through at least Wednesday.

Temperatures today for Cape Girardeau are forecast to reach 95 degrees with a heat index near 105 degrees, nearing the date's record high of 98 degrees.

David Humphrey, lead forecaster for the National Weather Service in Paducah, Ky., said normal highs for this time of year are in the upper 80s.

To issue an advisory, the temperature must reach 100 degrees or the heat index must reach 105 degrees for at least a three-hour period, Humphrey said. Advisories were in place Thursday morning for five counties in the St. Louis area, as well as Dunklin and Pemiscot counties in Southeast Missouri.

"We tend to see this heat a little later in the summer," said Jane Wernsman, assistant director of the Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center. She added that there is no reason to wait for an advisory to be issued to begin being cautious.

In 2008, 10 people in Missouri died from heat-related causes. Seven were between the ages of 25 and 64, and three were age 65 or older according to The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.

While outdoors during hot weather, people should rest frequently in a shaded area and try to schedule outdoor activities before noon, or later in the evening when temperatures are lower, Wernsman said.

"Those who exercise outside should remember to start slowly and wear sunscreen. Sunburn can be an added problem," she said.

Light-colored, loose-fitted clothing helps keep body temperature down.

People working outside should have a buddy or a co-worker nearby who can check on them often, Wernsman said. The elderly, children up to age 4 and others with health conditions should be checked on regularly because they are particularly susceptible to heat-related illness. People on medication should check with their doctors about negative interactions between a medication and high body temperature.

She advised never to leave infants, children or pets unattended in a parked car or other hot environment.

While fans may be useful in hot weather, Werner warned not to rely on them as a sole source of cooling.

"When temperatures get up into the 90s or higher, the fan will not prevent heat-related illness," she said.

She said she recommended that people without air conditioning in their homes visit a public place such as a mall, movie theater or grocery store to cool off for a while.

Jamie Koehler, emergency services director for the Red Cross in Cape Girardeau, said if the heat does become life-threatening, the Southeast Missouri chapter of the American Red Cross will work with the city's Parks and Recreation Department to have a center open during normal business hours at the Osage Community Centre.

Koehler said the organization normally opens a center only if the temperature has been higher than 100 degrees for a few days.

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eeaston@semissourian.com

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Toll-free state assistance number for senior adults or anyone suffering from disabilities suffering from heat and needing assistance: 1-800-392-0210.