Extreme heat is preparing to descend on a wide swath of the region including Junction City Wednesday afternoon through Saturday evening. The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat watch for that period.

High temperatures are expected in the middle 90s to around 100 degrees and will combine with humid conditions to bring afternoon heat indices into the 103-110 degree range.

Heat related illnesses are possible for those spending a prolonged amount of time outdoors, or those who are more susceptible to heat, such as young children and the elderly.

An excessive heat watch means that a prolonged period of hot temperatures is expected. The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a dangerous situatiuon in which heat illnesses are possible. Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun and check on relatives and neighbors.