photo by: Shawn Valverde/Special to the Journal-World

Downtown Lawrence is pictured in this aerial photo from September 2023.

With heat indexes expected in the triple digits, the National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for the Lawrence area.

While the actual high temperature Friday was in the mid-90s, the heat index — or the temperature it feels like — was between 102 and 107 degrees. The advisory will be in effect until 8 p.m. Saturday, which is also expected to be in the mid-90s with a higher heat index.

The hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat cramps, heat exhaustion and even heat stroke, the weather service warned.

Residents are urged to take extra precautions when outside, including:

• Wearing lightweight and loose-fitting clothing.

• Limiting strenuous activities to early morning or evening.

• Taking action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.

Young children and pets should not be left in unattended vehicles. Car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes, the weather service warned.