MARSHALL — The temperature and humidity crept higher in southwest Minnesota on Wednesday, as the National Weather Service issued a heat advisory. Around 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, the digital clock and thermometer near the intersection of Fifth Street and Main Street in Marshall read 102 degrees.

While Marshall doesn’t tend to get many 100-degree days, they occur most often in July, said the National Weather Service office in Sioux Falls.

According to NWS data, Marshall averages around one day a year with temperatures 100 degrees or higher. Last year, there was one 100-degree day in August. In 2021, Marshall had two 100-degree days in June, and one in July.

High temperatures don’t only happen in the summer in Marshall. In NWS data going back to 1935, Marshall has had recorded 100-degree temperatures in every month from May through September.

Some area residents said Wednesday that the heat wasn’t the only difficulty they were facing this summer. Joe Larkin, of Renville, said his household was managing to stay out of the heat – but it was the drought in the region that was the bigger problem.

“We need some rain bad,” Larkin said.

Another heat advisory will go into effect today, from 2-8 p.m., the National Weather Service said. Heat index values up to 105 are expected in parts of Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska and South Dakota. The hot temperatures and high humidity in the region can cause heat-related illnesses, the NWS said. The public is urged to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should not be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances, the NWS warned.

People should take extra precautions if they spend time outside, the NWS said. When possible, people should schedule physical activities for early in the morning or in the evening.