Weather Alert Day: Dangerous heat sets in Sunday through Friday
Jessica Hafner
The ABC 17 Stormtrack Weather Team has issued a Weather Alert Day for the potential of dangerous heat Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. While all of next week will present a risk of dangerous heat, the hottest days with the best chance of heat indexes in the most dangerous 105-110 degre range will fall within this window.
Heat Advisories are in place for most of the region through Friday as a stretch of daily heat indexes greater than 100 degrees is forecast. An Extreme Heat Watch is in place in Mid-Missouri where heat indexes may surpass 105 degrees through Tuesday.
After widespread rain and storms ended this past week, the pattern begins to shift over the weekend as the warm front lifts northward and high pressure settles to our south, pushing the jet stream northward and drawing up warm, moist air from the Gulf.
This strong high-pressure system looks to stick around across the southeast for much of the week, keeping temperatures locked in the 90s. Gulf moisture will make the air feel very stagnant and thick with dew points in the 70s.
The combination of high dew points and high temperatures will yield heat indices between 100 and 110 degrees from Sunday through at least Thursday. The hottest days are forecast to be Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Daily heat indexes in the triple digits and overnight lows in the 70s will wear on anyone without access to effective air conditioning, especially those sensitive to heat-related illnesses.
Heat indexes of 100-104 will be dangerously hot from Sunday through Friday for sensitive groups, including children and the elderly. On the hottest days, heat indexes may reach 105-110 in most locations. These values are dangerous, even for the less vulnerable, with prolonged exposure. These numbers will be possible each day, but this is highly dependent on dewpoints, which can be variable. Assuming a dewpoint around 75 degrees, the greatest risk of these higher values will be Tuesday through Thursday.
If you’re traveling to Kansas City or St. Louis, you should expect it to feel hotter in each city throughout the week, in comparison to rural areas of Mid-Missouri. The expansive pavement and lack of green cover can create hotter environments, especially over time, as buildings and pavement hold heat overnight, leading to greater warmth during the day.
Try to limit your time outdoors during peak heating hours from late morning through dusk. Wear light colored, loose-fitting clothing, and stay hydrated with water or electrolyte drinks, especially if you work outdoors.
Make sure pets have cool shelter and plenty of water, and avoid going on longer walks during the hottest part of the day. Never leave children or pets unattended in hot vehicles and always check the back seat.