The forecast calls for elevated temperatures through September. Higher-than-normal temperatures, of course, mean that landscape and other outdoor workers are at even-greater risk of heat stroke and related problems.

The most important advice: slow down and drink lots of water.

Five U.S. states?EUR??,,????'??+Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri, experienced record warmth for this period, while no state was near or cooler than average, the NOAA said in a report.

June was the second warmest June on record and nationally averaged precipitation was below average, the report said. In the west, 11 states were much warmer than average. Only five states were cooler than normal for the month.

The global surface temperature in June was also the second warmest on record since 1880, the report said. Global land- and ocean-surface temperatures were 0.60 degrees Celsius above the 20th century mean.

The federal government?EUR??,,????'???s National Weather Service provides the following advice for avoiding heat-related problems.

Hot-season Safety Tips

Slow down. Strenuous activities should be reduced, eliminated, or rescheduled to the coolest time of the day. Individuals at risk should stay in the coolest available place, not necessarily indoors.

Dress for summer. Lightweight light-colored clothing reflects heat and sunlight, and helps your body maintain normal temperatures.

Put less fuel on your inner fires. Foods (like proteins) that increase metabolic heat production also increase water loss.

Drink plenty of water or other non-alcohol fluids. Your body needs water to keep cool. Drink plenty of fluids even if you don?EUR??,,????'???t feel thirsty. Persons who (1) have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease, (2) are on fluid restrictive diets or (3) have a problem with fluid retention should consult a physician before increasing their consumption of fluids.

Do not drink alcoholic beverages.

Do not take salt tablets unless specified by a physician.

Spend more time in air-conditioned places. Air conditioning in homes and other buildings markedly reduces danger from the heat. If you cannot afford an air conditioner, spending some time each day (during hot weather) in an air conditioned environment affords some protection.

Don?EUR??,,????'???t get too much sun. Sunburn makes the job of heat dissipation that much more difficult.