It’s supposed to get up to 88 degrees Tuesday — not terribly hot and not dangerous, but as the thermometer readings climb, it’s probably a good idea to know where to look for heat warnings.

The Kane County Office of Emergency Management, Kane County Health Department, and Kane County Animal Control Department monitor potential extreme heat conditions in the County and will take action based on extreme heat alerts issued by the National Weather Service (NWS).

Watch for these NWS Heat Alerts:

Excessive Heat Outlook:
Using a combination of temperature and humidity over a certain number of days the Excessive Heat Outlook is designed to provide an indication of areas where people and animals may need to take precautions against the heat during the months of May to November.

Excessive Heat Watch:
Issued when conditions are favorable for an excessive heat event in the next 12 to 48 hours. A Watch is used when the risk of a heat wave has increased but its occurrence and timing is still uncertain. A Watch provides enough lead time so that those who need to prepare can do so.

Heat Advisory:
Issued within 12 hours of the onset of a heat index of at least 105 degrees F, but less than 115 degrees F, for less than three hours per day, or nighttime lows above 80 degrees for two consecutive days.

Excessive Heat Warning:
Issued within 12 hours of the onset of a heat index of at least 105 degrees for more than three hours per day for two consecutive days, or heat index more than 115 degrees F for any period of time.

During Advisory or Warning Conditions, follow this advice:

DO

• Use air conditioners or spend time in air-conditioned locations such as malls and libraries
• Use portable electric fans to exhaust hot air from rooms or draw in cooler air
• Take a cool bath or shower
• Minimize direct exposure to the sun
• Stay hydrated – regularly drink water or other nonalcoholic fluids
• Eat light, cool, easy-to-digest foods such as fruit or salads
• Wear loose fitting, light-colored clothes
• Check on older, sick, or frail people who may need help responding to the heat
• Know the symptoms of excessive heat exposure and the appropriate responses.

DON’T

• Direct the flow of portable electric fans toward yourself when room temperature is hotter than 90°f
• Leave children and pets alone in cars for any amount of time
• Drink alcohol to try to stay cool
• Eat heavy, hot, or hard-to-digest foods
• Wear heavy, dark clothing.

For heat FAQs, visit the Kane County Health Department website.