BUCKHANNON — Heat index values of up to 102 degrees will create dangerously hot conditions across much of West Virginia, including in Upshur County, throughout the upcoming week.

The National Weather Service office in Charleston has issued an excessive heat watch for parts of Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia from Monday morning through Friday evening.

“Heat-related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events,” the NWS warns. “Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun and check up on relatives and neighbors.”

The National Weather Service especially urges caution about leaving children or pets in hot cars.

“Do not leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles,” the NWS advises. “Car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.”

The daily high temperatures are set to steadily climb throughout the week, from 90 degrees on Monday to 96 by Friday. Nights will offer only scant relief, with temperatures expected to remain in the high 60s even overnight.

It is forecast to be mostly sunny scorcher all week, with only a small chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon hours. Winds will be calm.

“A prolonged and potentially dangerous period of heat continues through at least Friday,” the NWS predicts. “Heat index values will reach into the mid-90s to low-100s each day, which may result in heat-related health and infrastructure impacts.”

An upper-level high pressure system will settle over West Virginia for the week, resulting in calm weather and mostly clear skies.

“Unyielding high pressure is expected to sustain hot weather through the second half of the work week,” according to the National Weather Service forecast discussion. “High pressure eventually loosens its grip and begins to recede south next weekend. High temperatures are anticipated to encroach upon record values.”

Click here for heat safety tips from the West Virginia Emergency Management Division.