In case you didn’t notice the summer heat this morning on your way to work, the season has officially started.

The time has come to pull out your bathing suits and flip-flops because temperatures are going to continue to rise over the week and into the weekend.

“In general the weather over the next week looks like high temperatures will climb into the 90-degree mark and the chances for precipitation, all in all, are going to be rather small,” said Brian Lynn, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Peachtree City.

A weak front will move into the area and bring a slight chance of thunderstorms from Friday until Sunday.

“That might be the best bet for precipitation, but that is still kind of on the low end,” Lynn said.

He said it’s normal for temperatures to reach into the high 80s and low 90s this time of year. The temperature in Gainesville reached 87 degrees Wednesday.

To take a break from the heat and to celebrate the first day of summer, families spent Wednesday jumping and splashing through fountains at Laurel Park’s sprayground.

“It is sweltering, and it’s only going to get worse,” said Candi Flynn of Clermont as she watched the children play. Flynn said her sons, Nathan, 5, and Carson, 4, were begging to go to the park to beat the heat.

“Hot days are a good day to come,” Flynn said. She explained that she likes to relax while she watches the boys play and when she gets too hot, she’ll just jump in the water and play with them.

The National Weather Service website advises people to take precautions when the temperatures start rising. It suggests wearing light clothing and avoiding excessive heat by staying in an air-conditioned space. The site also says that by drinking plenty of nonalcoholic and decaffeinated drinks, you can be sure your body is hydrated enough to cool itself.

And of course, you could always go for a dip in a pool or the lake.

Six-year-old Haley Yon said she is just happy it’s finally summertime.

“I like it because I like to go swimming,” Haley said, smiling.