Heat Advisory in Effect on Scorching Wednesday

The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory for 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday.

With high temperatures in the 90s and high humidity, the heat index in some areas was around 100 degrees.

With hot temperatures, Minnesotans should watch out for signs of heat stroke.

Symptoms include warm dry skin without sweating, confusion or unconsciousness, a high fever, a throbbing headache and nausea or vomiting.

It's recommended to drink more to keep hydrated. But remember to avoid alcoholic or sugary drinks.

The Twin Cities is also under an air pollution health alert due to the high temps and smoke from the Colorado wildfires. Anyone with breathing problems could be at risk. People with pre-existing respiratory conditions, older folks and kids should consider limiting outdoor activity.

Officials with Minneapolis Animal Care and Control are reminding pet owners to take special precautions to protect their animals in the heat.

Pet owners should keep animals inside, and out of direct sunlight. Pets should never be left unattended in a parked care for any period of time.

On a warm day, temperatures inside a car can exceed 120 degrees in a matter of minutes - even with the windows partially open. That can lead a pet to suffer brain damage or die from heatstroke or suffocation.

Authorities say at least five dogs died in Minneapolis last year after being left alone in hot cars for short periods of time.

And despite all of the rainfall so far this season, you may still need to turn on your hose or sprinkler for your trees.

The Forestry Department in Minneapolis says trees need at least one inch of water every week this time of year. Dry trees may be more vulnerable to insects and diseases.

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