If you haven’t noticed the weather by now, and you’re lucky enough to be sitting inside an air-conditioned office, heads up worker bee—things are getting heated.

Expect Long Beach temperatures to hover in the low-to-mid-90s starting today and lasting through the weekend. It’s time to put whatever vegan deodorant brand your proudly purport to the ultimate test.

Long Beach Health Officer Dr. Mitchell Kushner is advising all residents to take their health seriously as temperatures remain high through Sunday.

“We’ve had a humid summer so far, and the rest of our week will be no different,” said Kushner in a statement. “The temperatures will be high this week, and the humidity makes it feel even hotter.”

When temperatures and humidity are high, people have a higher chance of developing heat-related conditions such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion or heat stroke, especially individuals working outside or participating in outdoor activities.

Kushner says that certain groups such as the elderly, people with chronic illnesses, infants and young children are at greater risk of developing heat-related illnesses and suggested frequenting air-conditioned stores, malls, libraries, park centers and theaters during peak heat.

Thanks to the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services, read below for several tips and tricks on how to stay chill as the region’s harsh summer sun beats down upon your hopefully well-sunscreened shoulders.

• Remain hydrated, and drink water before, during, and after outdoor activities. Avoid beverages that have caffeine or alcohol.
• Take frequent breaks while working or playing outdoors.
• Wear loose-fitting, light clothing; wear a wide-brimmed hat to cover the face, ears and neck if you’ll be outside.
• Apply sunscreen (at least SPF 15) 15 minutes before going outdoors and re-apply at least every two hours – sunscreen prevents skin cancer.
• Plan strenuous outdoor activities for cooler parts of the day; limit time outside during peak heat;
• Pace physical activities, starting slowly and picking up the pace gradually.
• Wear sunglasses that provide 100 percent UVA and UVB protection. Chronic exposure to the sun can cause cataracts.
• Check on frail elderly or home-bound individuals to make sure they are not affected by the heat;
• Move to a cooler location at the first sign of heat illness (dizziness, nausea, headaches, muscle cramps); rest and slowly drink a cool liquid.
• Never leave a child or pet in a parked car or asleep in the direct sunlight.
• Take care of pets. Make sure they have plenty of shade and water to drink, walk dogs when the temperature is cooler, and make arrangements for pet care if you will be out of town (you can find more summer safety tips for pets here.
• Prevent children from drowning by providing adult supervision at all times and having an entry-proof barrier that surrounds the pool or spa.

For more information on how to stay healthy and cool during the hot weather, visit the Health Department’s website here. Should the City extend hours at park centers or other facilities for cooling centers, information will be posted on the Health Department’s website and through social media via Facebook and Twitter.

Above, left: file photo.