BY KATIE THISDELL

Misting tents can be pretty cool.

Literally.

And if you're at today's Stars and Stripes Spectacular in Spotsylvania, shade, misting tents and plenty of water may be your best chance for relief from the heat. The festival starts at 3 o'clock this afternoon in the courthouse area and ends with a fireworks display.

Today and Sunday are expected to be scorchers as the excessive heat warnings continue.

Temperatures topped 99 degrees in Fredericksburg Friday with a heat index of at least 108. The high at Stafford Regional Airport was 102.

It will stay hot over the weekend, with forecast highs from the National Weather Service nearing 100. Highs in the 90s are expected all week, with a high of 95 forecast for July Fourth.

For Washington, this is the hottest June on record for 142 years--temperatures hit 104 on Friday, breaking the 1874 and 2011 record of 102 at Reagan National Airport. The temperature at Dulles hit 102, breaking the record there, as well.

When the mercury is this high, staying cool and safe is a necessity. Here are tips from the Stafford County Fire & Rescue Department.

Drink plenty of water, regardless of activity level. Don't wait until you're thirsty.

Stay indoors. If you don't have to go outside, then don't.

Limit any outdoor activity to morning and evening hours. Cut down on exercise. Try to rest often in shady areas.

If you don't have air conditioning, go somewhere that does, such as a shopping mall, library or cooling center. King George County will have a cooling center open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and Sunday at the King George Fire and Rescue Company 1, 8122 Kings Highway. Orange County will also have a cooling shelter open 12-8 p.m. Saturday at the Rescue Squad building, 151 Berryhill Road.

Avoid alcohol or drinks with large amounts of sugar. These can cause you to lose more body fluid. Very cold drinks can also cause stomach cramps.

Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.

Never leave anyone--child, adult or pet--in a closed, parked vehicle. The extreme heat can be fatal.

BE SAFE ON THE WATER