SUMMER HEAT HAS FINALLY ARRIVED

It isn't really a heat wave, according to the National Weather Service, but today is expected to be a scorcher.

"This is the first episode of heat we've experienced," said meteorologist Fred Glass in St. Louis.

A heat wave is continuous, and upper-90-degree temperatures are expected to settle in beginning today, he said. They should remain in the upper 90s through the rest of the week.

Tuesday's high was 91 at Cape Girardeau.

The National Weather Service has issued a statewide heat advisory through Thursday. The heat index will be above 105 during the day and around 80 at night, Glass said. Heat indexes are calculated as a combination of the apparent temperature considering heat and humidity.

Hot weather can mean increased profits to some businesses.

Ice cream sales have increased this week at Baskin Robbins, said employee Stella Brown. The busiest hours are during mid-afternoon, she said.

Air-conditioner sales have increased in the last week since temperatures have risen into the 90s. Typically, customers call for service checks and repairs in the spring, but there are always a few who wait until the last minute.

Hot weather brings increased interest in swimming pool buying. May, June and July are the busiest months for sales.

"There has been an increased interest in swimming pools this week," said Gary McCormick, manager of Room Mates Pool and Spa. "When it hits the 100-degree mark, people think about how to keep cool."

Many of the pools being installed this week are for customers who were rained out earlier. The pools can usually be installed in two or three days, he said.

He said the sales are about average, but the hot weather will boost them higher.

For those who don't own a pool, public swimming spots are the places to be.

Trail of Tears State Park offers a refreshing swim in Lake Boutin. "It's already so hot here anyway," said seasonal naturalist Sylvia Taylor.

Visitors to the pool at Capaha Park were staying longer than usual Tuesday, said manager Scott Mulvaney.

To keep lifeguards from getting overheated, a safety check is held 10 minutes before the hour.

"It's an opportunity for them to cool off and get drinks," Mulvaney said. He said one employee gets drinks for the guards or sits in their chair while they cool off.

Nine staff members are scheduled to work this week because of the hot weather and increase in the number of swimmers.

Outdoor activities and work can lead to heat-related injuries, said Pat Pennington, emergency services manager at Southeast Missouri Hospital. The biggest concerns are heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion are excessive sweating and pale, clammy skin. It can be remedied by drinking cool fluids and resting in a cool, shady place, Pennington said.

Small children and elderly people are more susceptible to heat exhaustion, she said.

Ashley Stevens, 7, and Jason Stevens, 5, of Whitewater, said they often go inside to get drinks and cool off when it gets hot. They enjoyed an afternoon at the park before taking swimming lessons Monday evening.

Heat stroke mainly hits elderly people. It is a serious condition that occurs when the body retains a temperature in excess of 106 degrees and the victim becomes hot, dry and red-faced.

"It's more life threatening," Pennington said. "It's rare, but it does happen and it happens here in Southeast Missouri."

Pets can also suffer from heat exhaustion and stroke, said Laura Walz, development coordinator at the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri. "It's one of the biggest reasons animals are at the vet's now," she said.

To keep your pet cool, make sure it has a fresh supply of food and clean water. If a pet stays outside, make sure it has access to shade throughout the day, Walz said.

Hot weather tips

Suggestions for staying cool:

People tips

If you have to be in the sun during the day, take breaks in the shade.

Drink plenty of fluids.

Wear large-brimmed hats and caps, loose and light-colored clothing.

Check on family members and the elderly to make sure they have a ventilating system or air conditioning.

Never leave a child or pet unattended in a vehicle.

Pet tips

Always keep a fresh supply of food and clean water. With outdoor pets, check the water several times a day.

Keep their sleeping area clean and pest-free.

Exercise pets in the early morning or late evening to stay cool.

Always provide outdoor pets with a cool, shady place.

If your pet shows signs of heat stroke, like panting, vomiting or a loss of consciousness, gently hose it down or soak it in water. Then consult a veterinarian.

Sources: Southeast Missouri Hospital and The Humane Society of Southeast Missouri.