Another day of scorching high temperatures is in store for people across the D.C. region.

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Readings were expected to hit 100 degrees or higher Thursday as a heat advisory remains in effect throughout the area. The high, however, was about 98 degrees.

Forecasters predicted that Thursday’s hot spell could hit record-setting marks Thursday, after its arrival on Wednesday - the first official day of summer.

Health officials warned residents to drink water, stay out of the sun and in air conditioning, and to check on elderly neighbors and pets. Public cooling centers have been set up around the region for those without air conditioning.

Meanwhile, people did all they could Wednesday to stay cool. The sticky, sweltering weather forced some tourists to change their plans.

Even animals at the National Zoo found ways to keep cool. Tigers were thrown meal flavored popsicles and the elephants used dirt, which acts as a natural sunscreen.

As a result of the rising temperatures, the District is extending public pool hours Thursday and Metro is making an exception to its "no food or water" rule by allowing riders to carry water on trains.

Temperatures are expected to start dropping on Friday.