If you think it’s been hot this week, just go outside this afternoon. Thermometers around town were getting a workout as temperatures soared well above 100 degrees. The heat index is expected to climb as high as 115, says Jennifer Schack, 6News meteorologist.

“It looks like the hottest day we’ve seen so far,” Schack said.

At 3 p.m., the official recorded temperature for Lawrence, taken at the National Weather Service station at Lawrence Municipal Airport, was 106 degrees and the humidity was 26 percent, making the heat index 111 degrees. The temperature at the 6News studios at Seventh and New Hampshire streets in downtown Lawrence was 107 degrees. The average high temperature for this date is 91 degrees. The record high was 111 degrees, set in 1934.

The National Weather Service’s Heat Advisory for Douglas County is in effect until 7 p.m. Thursday.

An Excessive Heat Warning is in effect for Leavenworth and Wyandotte counties through 7 p.m. Thursday.

The weather service says that to minimize the risk of heat-related illnesses:

¢ Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids to avoid dehydration.

¢ Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and a hat to shield yourself from the sun.

¢ Use a sunscreen to reduce possible sunburn.

This morning’s low temperature was 76 degrees. The average low temperature for this date is 70 degrees. The record low was 57 degrees, set in 1947.

Heading out to Thursday’s annual Downtown Lawrence Sidewalk Sale?

Go early to beat the heat: Thursday’s morning low temperature will be 79 degrees, Schack said. Thursday’s afternoon high will be 101 degrees, with the heat index being around 112 degrees, she said.

Friday’s morning low will be 77 degrees. Friday’s high will be 94 degrees, she said.