As high heat indices grip central Illinois, weather officials are warning residents not to wait for formal advisories before taking precautions against dangerous heat-related illnesses.

Ed Shimon with the National Weather Service in Lincoln explains that while specific heat index thresholds trigger advisories and warnings, multiple consecutive days of elevated heat create a cumulative toll on the body that can lead to severe heat exhaustion.

Shimon emphasized that waiting to feel thirsty is often a sign that dehydration has already set in. He urges everyone to stay ahead of the heat by continuously drinking water, taking frequent breaks in air conditioning, and recognizing the critical warning signs—such as an end to sweating—before heat exhaustion escalates to a life-threatening heat stroke.

For the latest weather alerts, hourly forecasts, and heat safety resources, visit weather.gov/Lincoln.