Brainerd reached a new daily high temperature Monday, taking part in a heat wave sweeping across the country that’s rewriting record books.

Temperatures rising above 100 degrees were common as AccuWeather.com reported millions of people from the Plains states to the mid-Atlantic were affected by a heat wave of historic proportions.

Monday in Brainerd, the temperature topped out at 96 degrees and the heat index reached 106 degrees. The previous high temperature record in Brainerd was 94 degrees set in 2002. The normal high for this time of year is 79 degrees.

The National Weather Service in Duluth issued a heat advisory for the region until 9 p.m. Monday, advising people to postpone strenuous activities until later at night and to take extra precautions if working or spending time outside.

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are dangers as the hot temperature combines with high humidity. The weather service advised people to stay out of the sun, stay hydrated, be mindful of symptoms of heat illnesses and seek air-conditioned buildings even for a few hours of relief.

Hot temperatures are expected to continue in the 90s well into the week and overnight lows near 70 degrees will offer little chance for cooling. Calm conditions expected Tuesday night and Wednesday won’t provide a breeze for respite.

There is a 30 percent chance for thunderstorms Tuesday and for the Fourth of July, with a smaller percentage chance for storms Thursday and Friday. But after Tuesday, the weather service reported storms are not anticipated to be severe.

The weather service noted a chance for hazardous weather, particularly into the late afternoon and night Monday included a risk for severe thunderstorms capable of producing large hail, heavy rain and even a tornado. Storms continue as a possibility Tuesday but are not expected to be severe.

Temperatures should drop at least a bit on Friday with a high of 83 degrees under sunny skies and a low of 64. Partly to mostly sunny skies and highs in the 80s are expected throughout the weekend and into the early part of next week.

Flood warnings remain in effect along the Mississippi River near Aitkin and Fort Ripley.

RENEE RICHARDSON, senior reporter, may be reached at 855-5852 or renee.richardson@brainerddispatch.com. Follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Dispatchbizbuzz.