Since the mercury first topped 90 degrees on May 24, 15 cases of heat-related illness have been reported in Cape Girardeau County. And little relief is likely soon with a National Weather Service meteorologist warning that the 3-year-old record for consecutive days above 90 degrees could be broken.

No heat-related deaths have been reported in Cape Girardeau County, said Jane Wernsman, assistant director of the county health center. There could be more than 15 cases of heat-related illness, she said, noting that the figures at the health center reflect only what has been reported by area medical providers.

So far this year, the weather station at the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport has recorded 58 days with high temperatures of 90 degrees or higher. The daily high has not been below 90 since July 27, making Friday the 17th consecutive day of hot weather.

The temperature has reached 100 degrees or hotter on three days, including Thursday when the high reached 102.

The record of 30 consecutive days above 90 was set in July and August 2007. Official weather data for Cape Girardeau does not include long-term information on intense heat waves, but Paducah, Ky., averages 45 days per year with a temperature above 90. Data for June 1 through Aug. 12 shows that this summer has been second hottest on record, with only 1952 showing hotter readings.

"What is really rough for people is this year is not only one of the hottest summers we have had, but it is much hotter than over the last couple of years," said Alex Dodd, a meteorologist at the weather service office in Paducah, Ky.

A year ago, mid-August temperatures were in the 80s during the day and the 60s at night.

A cooling front will move through the region Sunday, bringing temperatures and humidity down. Dodd said. But it is unlikely that the change will lower temperatures enough to keep the daily high below 90, he said.

"But the overall pattern of being near or above normal looks to continue for at least another couple of weeks," Dodd said.

With highs for the coming week expected to be in the 90s every day, Cape Girardeau could surpass the 2007 record, Dodd said.

Keeping cool is vital during the heat wave, Wernsman said. For people who must leave air-conditioned buildings, she recommends limiting outdoor activity to the early morning or evenings when the heat is not as intense. Drink plenty of noncaffeinated, non-alcoholic beverages to keep hydrated and keep a watch for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

Heat exhaustion is characterized by heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps and fatigue. Heat stroke, a potentially fatal condition, is marked by a high body temperature above 103 degrees, red dry skin without sweating, a throbbing headache and or a rapid pulse.

Avoid using fans alone to try to cool down when the temperature is 100 or higher, according to the Missouri Department of Heath and Senior Services. A fan in high heat can make heat stress illnesses worse, the department warns.

Use a cool shower to cool the entire body if possible.

Other tips offered by Wernsman include keeping water in the car, especially if pets are along, in case of breakdown and to take frequent breaks when working or playing outside.

"Use a buddy system and monitor the condition of your coworkers if you are out with someone," she said. "And especially make sure to check on the elderly."