Staff photo by Fritz Busch Ezekiel Polus of New Ulm rides a water slide into the Washington Park wading pool in New Ulm Friday.

NEW ULM — The National Weather Service (NWS) issued an extreme heat warning for much of south central and parts of western Minnesota Thursday.

Dangerously hot conditions with heat index values of 105 to 110 are expected in Blue Earth, Brown, Chippewa, Faribault, Lac Qui Parle, Martin, Nicollet, Redwood, Renville, Watonwan and Yellow Medicine counties from noon Friday to 9 p.m. Sunday.

“We get heat waves like this a couple times a summer. This is usually about the time we see one,” said NWS Meteorologist Tyler Hasenstein in Chanhassen.

High temperatures only last two days. Saturday’s high of 98 degrees and 95 on Sunday will be tempered by the south winds forecast at 15-25 mph Saturday and 15-22 mph Sunday.

Heat-related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events.

Do not leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles. Car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in minutes. Take extra precautions when outside. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing. Limit strenuous activity to early morning or evening. Take action when you see heat exhaustion and heat stroke symptoms.

The heat wave ends last Sunday. Scattered thunderstorms are forecast Sunday night through Monday with a high of 75. Showers are forecast Tuesday with about a half inch of rain and a high of 69. Thunderstorms are forecast Tuesday with more than an inch of rain in New Ulm and a high of 68.

Hasenstein said the Minnesota drought has given way to normal conditions except for the extreme southwest where a drought persists.

A number of children found relief from the heat in the Washington Park wading pool Friday.

“We’ve been to every New Ulm swimming spot this week. I like Flandrau State Park the best because it has a beach,” said Kara More.

“We go to wading pools when it’s hot. During the winter, we go the the New Ulm Recreation Center playground or pool,” said Alexis Polus.

New Ulm wading pools are open to children eight year old and under from 12:30 to 6 p.m. daily until Aug. 17 at Washington Park, 715 N. State St. and Lincoln Park, 718 S. State St. Children will not be admitted without an adult 18 years or older.

Pools are closed if the temperature does not reach 72 degrees. Swimming diapers are required for children who are not completely toilet trained.

There is no lifeguard on duty.