Record temperatures have hit the Seattle area this week with Renton hitting 105 by 4 p.m.

Sea-Tac shattered its 100-degree record with 102 between 2 and 3 p.m.

Just between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., the official temperature jumped 10 degrees, to 93 degrees.

An excessive-heat warning has been extended to Friday at 6 p.m. for the greater Seattle area, including Tacoma and Everett, according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

“Wednesday and Thursday will probably be record-breaking days for a lot of areas,” said NOAA meteorologist Johnny Burg.

This week’s temperatures reminded Auburn’s Lucia Savaria of her home in Dominica, an island in the Caribbean.

“The water is much warmer in our lands,” Savaria said, dipping her feet in the cool Cedar River outside the Renton Community Center.

People flocked to the lakes and rivers to find relief and enjoy the sun.

“It just sucks that I got to go to work this afternoon,” said Tukwila’s Eric Saunoa, who took a group of kids to Cedar River to cool off and relax.

The river was shallow enough to sit in a folding chair and have the water flow just above the waist.

“I like floating down,” said 9-year-old Malik Motley.

There are two public places where folks can get away from the heat.

The air-conditioned Renton Community Center has extended its hours until 10 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, because of the heat. The facility, 1715 Maple Valley Highway, is open to the public through Thursday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Renton Senior Center, 211 Burnett Ave. N., is also air conditioned and welcomes seniors during its normal operating hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Other public places, such as libraries, movie theaters and stores, are other good places to beat the heat.

Renton’s “official” high Monday was 93, and Tuesday it was 96, according to NOAA, which takes its readings at Renton Municipal Airport.

Though the airport has only been recording temperatures for about 10 years, the record daytime highs will still probably be shattered, Burg said.

Lows have read more like highs with 68 Monday morning and 70 Tuesday morning. Meteorologists are also forecasting a low of 70 Thursday morning and 67 Friday morning.

“During the night, the temperature is going to be warm,” Burg said. “That prevents the body from cooling off at night.”

High humidity rates are expected to worsen occurrences of heat-related illnesses.

In addition to the heat warning, there is also an air-stagnation advisory in affect, which will increase heat illnesses and air quality.

“There’s no wind to take away our daily pollution,” said Amy Warren, a communications specialist with the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency.

The sky in Renton has taken a brown hue, and the heat has worsened air-pollution problems.

“The heat is building up an inversion, which is keeping the pollution at ground level,” Warren said.

Clean Air isn’t likely to implement a burn ban, but King and surrounding counties already have a fire-safety burn ban in affect, she said.

Those with heart and lung problems and small children are advised to spend as little time as possible outside. “Even healthy people may experience shortness of breath and dryness of eyes,” she said.

It’s common for the area to have heat waves in the summer, but they usually only last a couple day, Burg said.

Highs aren’t expected to drop into the 80s until Saturday, though some meteorologists suggest the heat wave could last through Monday.

Staying safe during the heat wave

• When possible, stay out of the sun.

• Wear sunscreen and a hat to protect your face and head.

• Dress in lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing that covers as much skin as possible.

• Drink fluids-particularly water, even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid beverages containing alcohol or caffeine.

• Avoid strenuous activity, especially during the sun’s peak hours of 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Cool down with baths or showers.

• Never leave children, seniors or pets in a parked car during the intense summer heat, even for a few minutes.

• Check in frequently with elderly residents who may need assistance during the hot weather.

• Recognize the symptoms of heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke:

•Heat exhaustion: heavy sweating, weakness, headache, weak pulse, dizziness, exhaustion, fainting, nausea or vomiting, and cold, clammy skin.

•Heat stroke: flushed, hot or dry skin; weak or rapid pulse; shallow breathing; lack of sweating; throbbing headache; dizziness; nausea; confusion; unconsciousness; and elevated body temperature.

Source: City of Renton

( Click here to get to NOAA’s Web site for up-to-date weather forecasts and advisories.)