Excessive Heat Warning now in effect for the majority of mid-Mo

All of mid-Missouri is now under an excessive heat warning besides Camden, Phelps, and Pulaski Counties. The Heat Warning goes into effect from 12 PM Wednesday until 8 PM Saturday for Macon, Chariton, Randolph, Saline, Howard, Johnson, Pettis and Cooper counties. The Heat Warning will begin in Benton, Morgan, Miller, and Maries Counties at 7 AM on Wednesday, which will carry through until 8 PM Saturday evening. The Heat Warning goes into effect at 12 PM Tuesday for Audrain, Boone, Callaway, Cole, Gasconade, Moniteau, Monroe, Montgomery, and Osage Counties and ends at 8 PM Saturday.

The Heat Warning was issued for areas which are likely to see heat indices reach 105-110 through the warning period. Even the three counties not included in the excessive heat warning could see indices upwards to 100 degrees.

An Excessive Heat Warning means that a prolonged period of dangerously hot and humid weather will occur, increasing the risk of heat related illnesses. Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room and out of the sun as much as possible.

Actual air temperatures this week are going to be well above the average temperature of 88 degrees. By mid week we will see temperatures that rise into the upper 90s.

With this, we are also going to see high humidity as dew points break into the 70s. This will create very uncomfortable and muggy conditions as you head out the door. The moisture in the air makes it harder for sweat to evaporate from your body, making it harder to cool down, which ultimately makes the temperatures feel warmer than they really are.

This means that the majority of mid-Mo can expect to see heat indices in the triple digits, even ranging between 105 and 110 degrees each afternoon starting on Tuesday.

It’s important to remember that hot temperatures in combination with high humidity values create heightened risk for heat related illness. Spending prolonged amounts of time outdoors enhances your risk for illness.