Latest local news, weather and high school sports for Tri-State area

Heat is forecast to return by Saturday and intensify next week. 

Saturday we watched the mercury climb into the 100 degree range for the first of several days.

Due to that forecast, the National Weather Service in St. Louis has issued an Excessive Heat Warning/Heat Advisory, in effect through Thursday, July 26.

An Excessive Heat Warning/Heat Advisory has been issued due to a dangerous level of heat and humidity that is expected to return and intensify Sunday through Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.

Impacts of this second heat wave may include; heat related illnesses such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

You are urged to take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to the 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, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shade or air conditioned environments. 

Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.  Remember, heat stroke is an emergency. Call 9-1-1 immediately.

The heat has increased air conditioner and fan sales. Farm and Home Supply in Quincy had 25 A/C units in stock Friday, but at 9:30 Monday morning, there were three. Store owner Leon Obert says they can always order more but it's kind of hard to know how many to order.

"I don't know if you ever really actually prepare for the heat. It's kind of like buying snow shovels in the fall. You hope you ended up making a great purchase and the number's right. However, with our fans, we were able to go in there and, being as how we had such a heat wave early summer, we went in and projected some additional sales. Of course, with the County Fair coming up this week, we planned on them hopefully needing some fans up there, and I know they will," Obert said.

Obert also says pool supplies are in high demand. This ranges from blow up pools to shock treatment for larger pools.

Stay with the KHQA 7 Storm Team for continuing coverage of "Heat Wave 2012."