ALBANY - The Capital Region is on the verge of a heat wave unlike anything seen here in five years.

Starting Saturday, the area faces the prospect of six straight days with temperatures in the 90s. The longest similar stretch took place in 2013 between July 14 and 19 , 2013.

The National Weather Service says the worst of the heat will hit on Sunday and Monday, with the mercury rising into the upper 90s.

Appliance stores are bracing for a rush of customers ready to buy air conditioners, usually a trend around the Fourth of July even without a heat wave or one on the horizon.

"We do have a bunch of them stacked on the side wall here from Frigidaire," said Nick Madelone, a spokesman for Marcella's Appliance Center in Schenectady. He said the proliferation of central air conditioning has diminished the demand for stand-alone units.

On Saturday, the forecast is for a high temperature of 95 degrees. It will will climb to 97 degrees on Sunday, and the heat index, a combination of heat and humidity, will make it feel like 107 degrees.

With humidity factored in, Monday's 96 degrees will feel like 105 degrees.

When it gets that hot, meteorologists and medical experts say people should spend minimal time working outside, find shady and cool spots to relax and drink plenty of water.

Vacationers looking to escape the heat by traveling to the Adirondack Mountains over the weekend might not find much relief. The mercury will sit in the mid-90s in Lake George. The temperature in Lake Placid is expected to hit 93 on Sunday and 91 on Monday before dropping into the 80s during the rest of the week.

Friday's temperatures will be in the high 80s.