It's a dangerously, historically hot day at the State Fair

Hot weather at the fair
Sisters Kailee Berquam, 17, left, and Emma Berquam, 12, of Kenyon, wash their show pigs Monday, Aug. 26, 2013 at the Minnesota State Fair. The girls said that the pigs needed to be washed, but that the water also helps cool them on hot days like today.
MPR Photo/Jennifer Simonson

MPR News Chief Meteorologist Paul Huttner says this will go down in history as one of the hottest Minnesota State Fairs ever.

The National Weather service is warning that today will be "dangerously hot," with a heat index between 100 and 110.

• Click on the slideshow to see more photos of animals keeping cool at the fair.

MPR News Reporter Curtis Gilbert checked in from the fair on The Daily Circuit Monday. If you're planning on heading to the fair despite the heat, there are a couple of places around the grounds to keep in mind if you need to cool off, he said.

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"It's a scorcher out there, especially if you're in the direct sun or one of those poor people slaving over a hot grill in one of the concession stands," Gilbert said.

TIPS FOR COOLING DOWN AT THE FAIR:

Medical aid stations have water misters for quick relief. There aretwo locations: Medical Aid West, across from Heritage Square on West Dan Patch Ave., and Medial Aid East, outside the northwest corner of the 4-H Building on Cosgrove. These stations can also assist if you need medical attention.

Seek refuge in one of the few buildings with air conditioning. Cool spots are hard to come by, but Gilbert recommends checking out the Coliseum concourse for some relief. The Home Depot, Blue Flame Gas Association and Crossroads Chapel also have air-conditioned buildings.

Bring your own water, water bottles and coolers. Fairgoers are allowed to bring in outside food and drinks, so stock up on water before you enter. Coolers are also permitted, but you'll have to leave them behind if you plan to spend time in the Grandstand or Coliseum.

Avoid some of the highly visited buildings, such as the Miracle of Birth Center, during the busiest parts of the day. Fair workers are trying to keep the animals cool with large fans and water, but visitors won't find any comfort there. "Maybe if I had drizzling water on me, like if I was a pregnant sow, then I would feel cooler in there. But it's pretty hot," Gilbert said.