Hazelwood Heat Advisory

According to area meteorologists, today will feel like more than 100 degrees. Today's temperature is set to reach a high of 97 degrees.

A “Heat Advisory” will remain in effect for the Hazelwood and the surround Metro St. Louis area through at least Wednesday at 7 p.m., according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

The National Weather Service website states that an advisory is issued whenever temperatures and humidity make it feel like 100 degrees for a string of four days or more. Temperatures for the week will remain in the 90's.

• Today: Sunny and hot, with a high near 97 degrees. Heat index values as high as 100. South wind between 6 and 10 mph.

• Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 96 degrees. South wind between 5 and 13 mph.

COOLING OFF

The NWS also states that heat-related illnesses are a real threat, especially for small children, the elderly, and others with health conditions, as  several days of heat indexes around 100 are just as dangerous as one or two days of more extreme heat.

Should you need cooling assistance, people in the St. Louis area can get information about cooling centers or energy assistance by calling the United Way at 800-427-4426. You can also dial  2-1-1 from a landline phone to reach the United Way.

The number for Cool Down St. Louis is 314-241-7668. The closest cooling center to Hazelwood is the Bridgeton Senior Center located at  4201 Fee Fee Road. Photo identification is required, and the site is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.

BEAT THE HEAT

Below are a few tips for beating the heat:

• Stay in air conditioned areas as much as possible.
• Consume lots of water.
• Wear light-colored clothing outdoors.
• Avoid cotton clothing and opt for fabrics that allow your skin to breathe, better enabling it to cool off.
• If you need to run errands, do so early in the morning. 6 a.m. tends to be the coolest part of the day.

BE A SHEPHERD

Be sure to check on loved ones, friends and family. If you know a senior citizen, be sure to call or stop by and ensure they are using air. If they don't have a window unit or central air, offer a room for them until the evening when it's cooler or get them somewhere they feel comfortable, that is also air conditioned.

Also be sure to check on any person who may have a disability to ensure they are doing well in the heat.