It's time to search for the nearest pool. The Dog Days of Summer continue, referring to a phrase about the hottest days of the year or the last months of summer. Temperatures will continue to climb and the days will be glowing brighter. As the heat outside intensifies, it's important to take care of yourself and your pets.

Weatherology Lead Forecaster Paul Trambley says hot and humid conditions are impacting the area.

"It's a major heat wave, quite a difference from what we have experienced. It will be important to take precautions with these conditions."

Tuesday, July 14 was the hottest day of the year at this point in southeast Wisconsin, with 99 degrees reported in some areas. Dew points were in the 70s with the heat index around 110. The expected high for Wednesday, July 15 is 94 degrees.    

There have been dangerous heat indexes recently, as high as 103 and 106. 

Hot temperatures can affect your health, because your body struggles to regulate its core temperature. Especially with high humidity, your heart rate increases and your blood vessels dilate to release heat, which can lead to a series of physical issues according to the World Health Organization. 

Heat exhaustion is the most common heat illness. Symptoms include heavy sweating, rapid pulse, dizziness, and muscle cramps.

Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day and stay indoors in air-conditioned spaces during the hottest parts of the day, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.