By Katie Knapp Schubert
Omaha, NE – The National Weather service says heat is the number one weather-related cause of death in the United States.
The Omaha metro remains under an Excessive Heat Warning through Thursday evening. That means weather conditions pose a threat to life or property. Heat indices of 120 degrees are possible through Thursday. Douglas County Health Department Resource Director Phil Rooney says people without air conditioning should seek shelter in a cool location. Rooney says you should also check on your neighbors and make sure pets have plenty of cool water and shade if they live outside.
A Nebraska Medical Center spokesman says five people were treated and released there over the weekend for heat-related illnesses.
Excessive heat can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The Centers for Disease Control says a person's body temperature can rise to 106 degrees or higher within 15 minutes if they have heat stroke.