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Friday was the first day of summer and Saturday and Sunday will greet us with a heatwave.

Minnesotans are no strangers to heat, no more than we are strangers to a cold and biting snow storm. They come with the territory of living in our state.

We’re just fortunate to have plenty of lakes and streams to dampen the heat somewhat.

Still, it’s worth taking a moment to consider safety, especially with this first one that is kind of sneaking up on us when you consider the relatively mild and wet spring we’ve had.

Both days this weekend are expected to be in the mid-90s, following a Thursday and Friday that were in the 80s and we’ve had those days at times already this spring, but what makes this different is that the heat indexes are expected to level out at around 105.

So not only will temperatures be high, but they will seem hotter than they really are — which seems unfair, just like how wind chills make it seem colder than it is.

Weather is kind of a bully at times.

The National Weather Service reminds us that there are those members of our population that are more susceptible than others to these extreme heat events, including:

• Young children and infants

• Older adults

• People with chronic medical conditions

• Pregnant women are also at higher risk

During this heat spike, as with the others that will inevitably follow this summer, take care of yourself. Take precautions when outside and that includes drinking plenty of fluids — no, beer doesn’t count — and apply sunscreen every two hours.

Wear clothing that is lightweight, loose-fitting that is also light, and be sure to take breaks — in the shade or inside a cooled environment.

While we’re asking you to take care of yourself, please keep an eye on your neighbors as well, especially those neighbors that may be in those above categories.

Like with all extreme weather, we have to look out for each other, because the effects like heat exhaustion and heat stroke can sneak up on a person.

And finally, one more reminder — be aware of your pets. If it’s too warm for you, it’s too warm for them. Let them be a part of the air conditioning and remember to keep them safe as well and definitely don’t leave them in a parked vehicle, where temperatures can soar.

For more information on safety during extreme heat events, visit: https://www.weather.gov/safety/heat