Rising temperature and humidity, watching the heat index

Southerly winds will send much warmer air into Mid-Missouri through the weekend along with higher humidity. Temperatures will reach into the low to mid 90s but the humidity will make it feel more like the upper 90s during the peak heating of the day. When the heat index reaches 100 or higher, it’s best to limit strenuous outdoor activities. Remember to always drink plenty of water during hot weather and stay hydrated.

We use the heat index as a measure of what the temperature feels like to the human body when relative humidity is combined with air temperature. The body normally cools itself by sweating. As sweat evaporates from the skin, it lower body temperature. But on hot, humid days, moisture in the air keeps sweat from evaporating fast enough and the body temperature can rise, leading to heat related illnesses.

For more on hot weather safety and when heat advisories or warnings are issued, click here.