The heat is here and it is likely going to keep coming.

The National Weather Service expects an almost week-long stretch of 90-plus degree weather.

"We will have five or six consecutive days of low 90s," Brad McMullen, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said.

He said the weather is on track, though the temperatures are slightly above normal, making for a hot summer.

McMullen said this year there has already been a three-day stretch of 90-plus temperatures and the hottest recorded temperature in Huntington, W.Va., was June 14 at 94 degrees. He said the last time the weather was similar to now was August 2002 when there were 34 days of 90-degree temperatures.

"With the ground being dry, it helps to get above 90 degrees, wet ground makes it difficult to get above 90," McMullen said.

Those hot days can cause health concerns and lead to sunstrokes or dehydration but there are preventions.

"There are a number of ways to protect yourself against the sun and overheating," said Georgia Dillon, a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner with the Lawrence County Health Department.

She said children and the elderly are particularly susceptible in the heat to dehydration.

"Avoiding strenuous activities in the middle of the day is key to preventing dehydration," Dillon said.

Some tips to beating the heat are drinking extra water, wearing hats, using sunscreen and sitting in cool or shaded places when outside.

Dillon said any activities involving water are good, such as swimming, sprinklers and and water balloons.

Many local youth heed her words spending time in pools to stay cool in the summer.

"I come to the pool, the water's refreshing," said Katlyn Adkins, a 10-year-old who goes to Sta-Tan Pool almost everyday. "Sometimes we'll play tennis, but we usually just get in the pool."