Live updates: Central Ohio heat wave begins in earnest Monday

This story will be updated with the latest information regarding Monday's excessive heat.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Central Ohio has entered its first major heat wave of the summer season.

The entire region is under an excessive heat watch from Monday until Friday as temperatures will be close to reaching triple-digits each day. City organizations have issued advisories and warnings in an effort to assist residents on how to stay safe this week. Cooling centers and pools

Expected temperatures

Storm Team 4 is calling for a high of 94 degrees with a heat index above 100 for most of the day, making "feels-like" temperatures even hotter. Monday will bring humidity and mugginess as well, which will increase chances for an isolated pop-up storm later in the day.

How to stay safe

If you are planning to stay outside for long periods of time today, doctors recommend staying extra hydrated and taking multiple breaks in the shade. Dr. Bradley Raetzke, Assistant Medical Director of Emergency Services with Riverside Methodist Hospital, said there was an uptick over the weekend of people with heat-related illnesses.

Doctors recommend drinking water every 10 to 15 minutes of outdoor activity and that you are drinking 12 to 16 ounces of water during that time. If not, you could end up needing help. Columbus Public Health's recommendations include:

• Drink plenty of water. Do not wait until you are thirsty.
• Stay in air conditioning whenever possible. If you do not have an air conditioner, use movie theatres, malls, libraries and other public places that are cool.
• Avoid beverages with alcohol, caffeine and sugar because they will dehydrate you.
• Eat light meals.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Avoid strenuous activities, and limit them to morning and evening hours.
• Learn the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses and how to treat them.
• Check on family members, friends and neighbors.
• Never leave people or pets in a closed car.

Air quality

The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission currently does not have central Ohio under an air quality alert. High temperatures can often lead to higher pollution levels in the air but Monday's air quality is likely to stay moderate through the day.

View the latest Air Quality Index for Columbus, provided by AirNow and the Environmental Protection Agency, below:

Cooling centers, pool hours

During excessive heat waves, city cooling centers tend to operate to help people navigate the high temperatures while pool hours can also be extended.

Columbus Recreation and Parks announced that cooling centers will be open starting on Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Dodge, Driving Park, Glenwood, Linden, and Marion Franklin will be the centers open for those 12-hour time periods.

Starting Wednesday, all department pools and spray grounds will have extended hours. Pools will be open from 1 to 8 p.m. with the $1 admission fee waived while the Blackburn, Linden, North Bank, and Scioto Southland spray grounds will open from noon to 8 p.m.

Weather alerts

Stay weather aware with Storm Team 4 and the alerts for where you live. Refresh this page as the National Weather Service updates alerts by county.