COLUMBIA (WACH) -- The Midlands fell under the spell of triple digit heat and humidity while Columbia recorded 2011's hottest temperature.  Relief will not come this weekend.

The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory from noon through 8 p.m for Saturday.  A Heat Advisory at 105 means that a dangerous combination of heat and humidity will be hazardous to the human body. 

The SkyWACH Weather Team is forecasting highs in the triple digits and upper 90s through the weekend. These scorching high temperatures combined with high humidity levels will provide 'feels like' temperatures close to 110 degrees.

The human body enters the dangerzone when heat index values hit 105 degrees. 'Feels like' temperatures above 110 degrees are extremely dangerous. Last week the Midlands recorded 'feels like' temperatures of 114 and 116 in Columbia. Areas closer to Charleston were as high as 119.

Because of the high heat, the South Carolina Forestry Commission issued a Red Flag Fire Alert for all Midlands counties.  The alert will remain in effect until further notice.

Next week will feature additional thunderstorm activity which may keep high temperatures in the mid 90 degree range.  However, longer range models show a return to triple digits next weekend.

Officials remind anyone outside that the heat can take a major toll on your health.

It's always important to limit your time outdoors during extreme heat. Residents should also look after their pets, children and elderly neighbors. Those who do not have access to home air conditioning are encourage to seek public places with environmentally controlled conditions.

Emergency room workers say they're seeing an early increase in heat related illnesses.  They say their peak is usually mid-July through late August, but they've already hit their peak.

Officials have recorded surface temperatures on playgrounds as high as 151 degrees on equipment.  A sandbox measured 131 degrees Friday.

Fire officials are also battling more than blazes.  They have to work in the increased heat.

“These temperatures and humidity, added to the over 50 pounds of gear firefighters wear and already strenuous work conditions, dramatically increase the risk of exhaustion, heat stroke, and heat-related injuries from fatigue” Lugoff Fire Chief Dennis Ray stated.

To combat the extremely dangerous temperatures while fighting fires, they have to rotate in and out more frequently.  Officials say it's an unavoidable nuisance.

But there is another way you can cool down outside.  Officials say cooling stations around Columbia will be open as long as heat advisories remain.

They are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the locations listed below:

-Gable Oaks Apartments
-Rosewood Park
-Hyatt Park
-Greenview Park
-Lorick Park
-Drew Wellness splash pad
-Sims Park
-Emily Douglas
-Hampton Park
-Heathwood Park
-Finlay Park
-Riverfront Park
-Edisto Discovery Park

Visit the SkyWACH Weather Page for the latest forecast and tips on how to stay safe and cool during dangerous temperatures.