OFFICIALS are warning many Americans not to drink alcohol this week due to potentially dangerous conditions.

Almost 90 million people are under heat alerts as the National Weather Service is predicting that a scorching heatwave could become threatening if precautions aren’t taken.

“This will be a long duration heat wave, with little to no overnight relief and high humidity levels, leading to an increased danger,” the agency wrote on X.

“There is high confidence that heat will reach levels that would affect anyone without sufficient cooling and/or adequate hydration, particularly across the Southeast.”

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that alcohol could make heat-related illness worse during hot summer days like the ones ahead.

“Don’t drink liquids that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar,” the department said.

“These actually cause you to lose more body fluid.”

A break from the heat isn’t expected until the end of next week. .

“Heat is the leading weather-related killer in the United States, resulting in hundreds of fatalities each year. Heat can be very taxing on the body and can lead to heat related illnesses or make existing health conditions worse,” the NWS said.

Some of the hottest states will be North Carolina, Kentucky, Texas, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Louisiana.

Overheating symptoms include muscle cramping, unusually heavy sweating, shortness of breath, nausea, and headaches.

Those at heightened risk include Americans who take medication, pregnant women, young children, or the elderly.

“Although anyone at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others.“

“Check on your family, friends, and neighbors, especially if they live alone or have chronic medical problems,” the CDC said.

“Some groups may have to take additional action on hot days.”

Some tips include staying inside, being in the shade, taking breaks, doing outdoor activities at the coolest periods of the day, and carrying a water bottle.

In 2024, there were 39 children who lost their lives to heat stroke after being left in a car.

“A child’s body temperature rises three to five times faster than an adult’s. When a child is left in a vehicle, that child’s temperature can rise quickly — and the situation can quickly become dangerous, ” the NHTSA said.

“If you see a child alone in a locked car, act immediately and call 911. A child in distress due to heat should be removed from the vehicle as quickly as possible and rapidly cooled.”

For many, this wasn’t the first sign of hot weather this week.

On Thursday, almost 130 million were under a heat alert, according to data from Heat.gov.