Ah, summer. From Boothbay Harbor to Wiscasset and beyond, some of the most time-honored, crowd-getting events have, this year, been getting the blue skies and more that help make them all they can be. But, as with all seasons, with the beauty comes potential trouble. Summer's trouble can include three-digit or close to three-digit temperatures, and three-digit heat indexes. And this week, as of press time Tuesday, the National Weather Service had an "extreme heat watch" out for Boothbay Harbor, Wiscasset and beyond, that it said carries danger, in part due to the heat's duration.

According to NWS' weather.gov, the watch was in effect from Wednesday afternoon through Friday evening, with "dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 110 possible."

The watch announcement advises, "Heat-related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events. (During this one) overnight low temperatures will only fall into the 70s, resulting in accumulated heat stress. (To prepare) drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Do not leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles. Car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes," it adds.

Late last June, so around this same time, the region was also under an extreme heat watch. Wiscasset's town Facebook page listed the same tips then as are in NWS' announcement this week. That year-old Facebook post also included a graphic with tips about heat exhaustion and the heat stroke it can lead to. It said heat exhaustion's signs can be dizziness, thirst, heavy sweating, nausea and weakness, and said, if that's you, "Move to a cooler area, loosen clothing, sip cool water (and) seek medical help if symptoms don't improve." As for heat stroke, the graphic, from federal agencies including the Centers for Disease Contol, said there can be confusion, dizziness and unconsciousness, so to "Act fast. Call 911. Move (the) person to a cooler area. Loosen clothing and remove extra layers. Cool with water or ice. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not given."

Not what we want to think of when we think of summertime, but don't bury your proverbial head in the beach sand. Stay safe. You, your loved ones and towns' public safety teams will be glad you did.