While rain will serve as a break from the heat over the coming days, the heat will persist, and leading into next week, will get worse.

The National Weather Service forecasts highs in the low- to mid-90s next week, with lows falling only into the mid-70s.

The hot weather, combined with high humidity is creating a health concern for those spending time outdoors.

“Due to [heat and humidity], there can be potential for heat exhaustion, heat illness due to prolonged exposure,” National Weather Service meteorologist David Cox said. “The big thing we want to stress is to stay hydrated and cool. Take breaks. If possible, avoid as much outdoor activities as you can.”

The combination of heat and humidity is expected to bring heat indices well over 100 degrees.

“When it feels really muggy outside, a lot of times it’s because in our area of the country near the Gulf of Mexico we get a lot of moisture pulled off of that,” Cox said. “When our dew point starts getting into the upper-60s you start feeling some humidity, but especially when you get into the 90s and you have dew points especially near the mid-70s our humidity is going up and that causes the heat indices to be quite a bit different than the actually temperature.”

As for ways to ensure you stay healthy and safe in this increasing temperatures and heat indices, the Centers for Disease Control offers the following tips:

•Limit outdoor activity, especially midday when the sun is hottest.

•Wear and reapply sunscreen as indicated on the package.

•Pace activity. Start activities slow and pick up the pace gradually.

•Drink more water than usual and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink more.

•Muscle cramping may be an early sign of heat-related illness.

•Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.

If you play a sport that practices during hot weather protect yourself and look out for your teammates:

•Schedule workouts and practices earlier or later in the day when the temperature is cooler.

•Monitor a teammate’s condition, and have someone do the same for you.

•Seek medical care immediately if you or a teammate has symptoms of heat-related illness.

For more information on the upcoming weather, check in online with the National Weather Service. For other tips on staying safe in the hot weather, visit the Centers for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov/features/extremeheat/index.