How to prepare for the upcoming heat wave

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- As the extreme heat rises across the United States, residents in the Greater Richmond Region should prepare to see temperatures reach 100 degrees, starting Sunday.

Extreme heat is classified as temperatures above 90 degrees for at least two or three days. According to the department, extreme heat often results in the highest number of annual deaths among all weather-related hazards, bringing uncomfortable humidity to millions across the nation.

Even though the body normally cools itself by sweating, the high heat indexes can cause ill health effects.

According to the Associated Press, based on heat index, NOAA has a chart that calculates how dangerous prolonged exposure can be. For example, a day when temperatures reach 96 degrees F (36 degrees C) and 45% humidity would fall into the “danger” category for prolonged exposure or strenuous activity.

This marks the first stretch of summertime weather, as Friday, June 20, was the summer solstice -- the astronomical start of summer in the Northern Hemisphere.

Prolonged exposure to heat can cause cramping, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and even death, according to the department.

With a heat index of nearly 115, according to StormTracker8 Chief Meteorologist Matt DiNardo, the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) is sharing its tips for how you can brave the heat this season.

Older adults, children and sick or overweight individuals are at greater risk from extreme heat, as humidity spikes as measured by a heat index, so the National Weather Service (NWS) urges family members to check on those who may need help responding to the heat.

RELATED: Dozens of kids have died in hot cars in Virginia. Here’s how to protect yours

Dozens of children and many pets are often left in parked cars, and NWS says they sometimes die from hyperthermia, so you're urged to keep children, disabled persons and pets safe during this heat.

The following is a list of tips the department says you should follow to prepare for this upcoming heat wave.

• Find places in your community where you can go to get cool.
• Learn to recognize the signs of heat-related illness.
• Keep your home cool by doing the following:
  • Cover windows with drapes or shades.
  • Weather-strip doors and windows.
  • Use window reflectors, such as aluminum foil-covered cardboard, to reflect heat back outside.
  • Add insulation to keep the heat out.
  • Use attic fans to clear hot air.
  • Install window air conditioners and insulate around them.

Electricity spikes when "air conditioning and refrigeration units in homes and offices work harder to keep the indoors cooler," according to NWS.

Our StormTracker8 team says that this heat could potentially last until the Fourth of July.

For a more detailed, up-to-date forecast, check out our StormTracker8 daily forecast here.