The scorching temperatures of the last few days have shown us that Mother Nature can bake us if she wants to.

With temperatures in the 90s and high humidity, the temperature felt close to triple digits more than once this week. We got a welcome cooldown at the end of the week, but we summer only began on Thursday, so we can be sure to expect high temps again before fall arrives.

Those kinds of temperatures can be dangerous, with heat illness a real possibility.

But we can protect ourselves. The American Red Cross offers the following tips:

* First, know the signs of heat illness, which could include heavy sweating, muscle cramps or spasms, tiredness or weakness, dizziness, and headaches. Seek medical help if symptoms persist for more than an hour, you vomit, or you get confused.

* Stay hydrated, avoiding sugary, caffeinated, or alcoholic drinks. If you’re sweating a lot, combine water with snacks or a sports drink to replace minerals lost through sweat.

* Wear lightweight, loose clothing.

* Get to an air-conditioned place, if you can. Spending a few hours a day in AC during extreme heat events can help prevent heat-related illnesses.

* Create a support system of people who can check in on you and whom you can check in on.

If you have a medical condition or take medications, talk to your doctor about how the heat might affect you and what you can do to prepare.

Heat’s nothing to mess around with.

Stay safe out there, Northeast Michigan.