Minnesota Weather: 'Dangerous' Heat Index Will Hit 104 Degrees

TWIN CITIES, MN — The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning that will remain in effect from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday. Dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 104 are expected in Scott, Carver, Washington, Ramsey, Anoka, Hennepin and Dakota Counties.

"Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities," warns the NWS.

"The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a dangerous situation in which heat illnesses are likely."

Weather officials provided the following tips to stay safe Wednesday:

• Reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening.
• Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
• Wear light weight and loose fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water.
• To reduce risk during outdoor work, take frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments.
• Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency, call 911.
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances

Here's the rest of the weather forecast for the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area:

Wednesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 3am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. South wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Thursday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 88. South southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 67. West wind around 5 mph.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 86. West northwest wind around 5 mph.

Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 66. West northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 85. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly clear, with a low around 65. North northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 84. North wind around 5 mph.

Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 64. North northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 87. South southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Monday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 69. South southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tuesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 86. South wind 5 to 10 mph.