High temperatures are affecting many counties in Alabama, and Baldwin County is no exception, with temperatures almost reaching the triple digits.

There was still an excessive heat warning issued by the National Weather Service for upper and lower Baldwin and Mobile counties on Saturday. Last weekend’s heat index was expected to range between 108 and 115 degrees for late morning to late afternoon over south Alabama.

“We sell quite a few fans,” said Jason Antoine, assistant manager of Walgreen’s at the intersection of Highways 27 and 31. “And it’s hard to keep on a dry shirt in this kind of unbelievable heat.”

Extreme temperatures and high humidity can cause heat related illnesses, according to the Alabama Department of Public Health Web site. Some heat related illnesses are heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat cramps, which are muscles pains or spasms, occur with strenuous exercise.

“We’ve been dealing with high pressure which traps heat and humidity,” said Keith Williams, a forecaster for the National Weather Service in Mobile.

Pets are also susceptible to the heat. The Humane Society of the United States has many tips posted on its Web site about how to take care of pets in extreme heat conditions. HSUS advises leaving pets at home in a cool, safe environment.

Eleene Green, who works in Spanish Fort, is on the other side of the fence about the heat. “I guess I’m crazy,” she said. “I can get cool quickly, but I cannot warm up quickly.”

Green’s techniques for cooling off include “a swig of water,” Diet Coke, a wet towel to the face and applying aloe vera gel, which she keeps in the refrigerator.

Local utility companies are also reporting high usage. The Tennessee Valley Authority and Alabama Power have reached peak loads this past week with customers, said David Horton, who works with Riviera Utilities.

“Power usage has gone way up with our system,” Horton said.

He added that the company is keeping an eye on the system to make sure it is working properly and it is running with ample capacity.

So, how can people help beat the heat?

The National Weather Service suggests the best time to perform outdoor activities is before l0 a.m. and after 6 p.m. Don’t forget to drink plenty of liquids, especially water, take frequent breaks from the heat, wear light and loose fitting clothes and avoid alcoholic or caffeinated beverages, stay out f the sun and children’s playtime should be indoors, the weather service adds.

Since this area has been in a drought up to now, the farmers are having a rough time with keeping moisture on the crops, said Keith Williams, a forecaster for the National Weather Service.

Williams promises we can look forward to cooler temperatures, but that probably won’t happen until October.

Martha Gardner, who lives north of I-10, works in an air conditioned office. She is concerned about those people who work out in the heat, she said. She notes that although the heat has not restricted her activities, her yard could use more water and the air conditioner in her house runs a lot longer.

“You can’t control the weather,” she said. “You have to just take it each day as it comes.”