KANSAS CITY, Mo. – An excessive heat warning remains in effect for the entire NBC Action News viewing area through Thursday at 9 p.m., with high temperatures expected in the mid-90s and heat indices near 110 degrees.
We saw a temporary cool-down Wednesday morning, caused by some large isolated thunderstorms that hit the area, but NBC Action Weather Meteorologist Brett Anthony warns that they should not fool you. The intense heat will return quickly and we should see a high around 96 with heat indices once again near 110.
Watch Brett's Midday Forecast by Clicking on the Media Player to the Right! And CLICK HERE to watch an EXCLUSIVE Video of a Microburst!
Another brief cool-down could happen late Wednesday afternoon, Brett says. Around 4 p.m., more thunderstorms could be in the area that could drop the temperature a few degrees.
Those storms also have the possibility to become severe, but Brett says that’s always a possibility and wasn’t too concerned about the chances of any severe weather.
Brett says we saw triple digit temperatures recorded in the metro Tuesday for the first time since August 2007, with a downtown reading right at 100. The heat index Tuesday reached 112.
High temps in the 90s and dew points in the 70s (as we’ve been seeing) lead to heat index values of 105 to 110 degrees or higher during the afternoon hours. See Below for a National Weather Service Heat Index Chart
The heat is blamed for two deaths in Kansas City, Kan., and has spurred many to call for emergency help for heat-related issues.
Brett says though the excessive heat warning should expire on time Thursday, extremely hot temperatures will continue through Saturday, with our first major drop in temperature happening Saturday night.
By Sunday, we’ll see high temperatures only in the 80s, Brett says.
Nighttime temperatures will also stay very warm with some parts of the metro area barely dropping below 80 degrees at night.
The combination of hot days and warm, uncomfortable nights will be make it difficult for those without air conditioning or those working outdoors to cool their core body temperature. This could lead to heat-related illness without the proper precautions.
Click Here for Tips on How to Detect and Treat Heat-Related Illnesses.If you must be outside for much of this week be sure to drink plenty of water and take frequent breaks in the shade, or an air conditioned building. The most susceptible to the heat are children, the elderly, and pets.
How Do You Plan to Beat the Heat this Week? Leave Us Your Comments Below!
