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Minnesotans Brace For Heat Wave

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- As temperatures rise, both work and play could be uncomfortable this week.

"We are in a little bit over our heads but we are trying to keep up," said Melissa Holum of Minneapolis.

Holum means that literally. Some of the sunflowers she planted this year are more than 8-feet tall. Now she is trimming them in the July heat.

"It's sweltering. I've been staying in one spot but I'm dripping wet. Free day at the spa I guess," she said.

And it is about to get even hotter.

"It's getting there. Took a little break and poured some water on my feet," said college football player Keith Anthony.

He was doing his workout in the sand, next to a court of volleyball players who say they are ready for what the rest of the week has in store.

"We'll probably take a lot of water breaks and stuff, but we'll still be out here," said volleyball player Ella Haugen.

The Minnesota Department of Health said young athletes and the elderly are the most at risk.

With temperatures in the 90s the next few days -- and possibly even 100 on Thursday -- they are reminding people to do the obvious things: find air conditioning at home, a restaurant, the mall or a library.

Drink plenty of water even if you are not thirsty, and keep a close eye on elderly friends and family members.

"Drink a lot of water, a lot of water and a lot of fruit," said Shanika Henderson, who was enjoying the day at Minneapolis' Theodore Wirth Park. "We have fruit in our bag right now."

For those that do not have air conditioning, the Salvation Army is offering people a chance to go inside and cool down at their various Twin Cities locations on Friday.

July of 2012 was the last time we had a run of triple-digit temperatures. We probably will not get that hot, but it is going to get sticky.

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