Sunny skies and 90-degree weather are expected for the July 4 holiday weekend.

A wave of heat has spread throughout Calhoun and Gordon County, and weather forecasters are predicting this summer will be particularly hot and dry.

Monday the temperatures are expected to stay just above 90 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.

Two weeks ago, a hot, humid airmass arrived; it will remain in place over the next couple of days, according to the National Weather Service. The heat index has already climbed to 105 degrees or higher across Georgia several times.

With these very hot conditions, heat-related illnesses are possible and local residents are advised to take necessary precautions to avoid heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

“The main thing is to make sure that you stay hydrated really well when you are working,” Gordon County Emergency Management Director Richard Cooper said. “Avoid the hottest day of the afternoon which is usually from noon until 3 p.m. and wear proper clothing that’s real loose and light colored to help reflect some of the heat.”

When a person is overheated, they should drink plenty of water and stay inside and cool down for a brief period of time.

Know the warning signs and symptoms heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Cool, moist, pale or flushed skin; heavy sweating, headache, nausea or vomiting; dizziness and exhaustion often signal heat exhaustion, said Cooper.

Heat stroke is red skin, changes in consciousness, rapid weak pulse, and rapid shallow breathing. Body temperature can be very high, sometimes as high as 105 F.

A person should seek medical attention if they experience muscle cramps, aches and progressively feel worse.

“If you stop sweating, you’ll need to start taking the actions and get help right away,” Cooper said.