By Maria Altman, St. Louis Public Radio
St. Louis, MO. – Temperatures are expected to hit nearly 100 degrees Friday and Saturday, and an excessive heat warning is in effect.
St. Louis City and St. Louis County health officials are reminding residents to stay out of the sun and to check on elderly neighbors and relatives.
The city also has listed several cooling sites for residents.
The Humane Society of Missouri also is warning pet owners to take precautions.
Spokeswoman Jeane Jae says in this heat, ideally pets should be inside.
"If you must leave your pet outdoors, please make sure that they have access to clean, fresh water at all times," Jae said. "And make sure that they have access to shade at all times of the day. Remember shade moves through the day, so a dog who is in shade in the morning, might not be in the afternoon."
Jae reminds pet owners never to leave pets unattended in a parked car, where she says temperatures can rise to 120 degrees within minutes.