Delaware under heat advisory until Friday night. Here's the forecast, how to stay safe

Delaware is under a heat advisory starting at 10 a.m. Thursday until 8 p.m. Friday, according to the National Weather Service.

The forecast for the state is calling for temperatures in the upper 90s with high humidity. The heat index for the state will range from 104 degrees in Dover to 88 degrees in Bethany Beach. There's a 20% chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon.

The forecast for Friday is much of the same with sunny skies and highs in the 90s. There's a 40% chance of storms in the afternoon.

Delaware weekend forecast

While temperatures will remain warm, the forecast for the weekend is calling for rain throughout the state. Saturday and Sunday will be partly sunny with a 50% to 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs will be in the 90s on Saturday and upper 80s on Sunday.

How to stay safe in the heat: What to know when extreme hot weather is forecasted

What is the heat index?

When the body sweats, the perspiration evaporates, cooling the body. When the humidity is high, the sweat doesn't evaporate as quickly and the body doesn't cool itself as well. Therefore, the body feels warmer. The heat index represents the heat you're feeling outside.

Here's a chart to help you find out what the heat index is. You can also use this heat index calculator .

How to stay safe during a heat advisory

• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Stay in an air-conditioned room.
• Stay out of the sun.
• Check up on relatives and neighbors.
• Take extra precautions when outside.
• Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing.
• Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening.
• Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Who is most vulnerable in the heat?

According to the National Weather Service , heat is among the leading weather-related killers. These are the groups most impacted by high temperatures:

• Young children and infants are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illness and death, as their bodies are less able to adapt to heat than are adults.
• Older adults, particularly those with preexisting diseases, take certain medications, are living alone or with limited mobility and are exposed to extreme heat can experience multiple adverse effects.
• People with chronic medical conditions are more likely to have serious health problems during a heat wave than healthy people.
• Pregnant women are also at higher risk. Extreme heat events have been associated with adverse birth outcomes such as low birth weight, preterm birth, and infant mortality, as well as congenital cataracts.

How to handle pets in the heat

When heat waves hit, dogs are also susceptible to heat stress and head strokes, according to the American Kennel Club .

If your pet is exposed to extreme heat, the AKC suggests getting your dog to a shady spot, applying ice packs under the dog's front legs on their chest, and pouring cold water over their head and body. Dogs should be given water to drink. A cooling mat for the dog to sit or stand on would be helpful.

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In addition, according to the American Kennel Club , with temperatures 85 degrees or higher for a sustained period, dog owners need to be careful with hot asphalt, pavement and sand. The hot surface can cause blisters on your pet's paws.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware under heat advisory until Friday night. Here's the forecast, how to stay safe