Extreme heat can be just as deadly into the night

Multiple heat waves have sent temperatures soaring across the Midwest this summer, leaving many without the opportunity to recover from the heat into the evening hours. The lingering heat into the night can be just as dangerous, thanks to the high humidity that remains.

Since June 1, the average temperature in Missouri has been 80.2 degrees, just a tenth of a degree cooler than the record warmth we saw in 2012. So far this year, this heat has already caused at least four deaths across the state, with the majority of them occurring during the July 4 week.

While many focus on the dangerous heat during the day, it’s the overnight hours that can still take a toll on our body. With high humidity through the night, people’s bodies do not have an opportunity to recover from the heat, which in turn leads to a restless night for many.

The average core body temperature is 98.6 degrees and is most comfortable in an environment that is around 68 degrees, anything more than that can make for an uncomfortable night of sleeping. Among those most vulnerable are those without air conditioning, children under 4 years, and the elderly.

With the warm nights here to stay for now, there are some things you can do to stay cool during the night.

– Use cotton sheets, as the cotton will absorb your sweat.

– Refrain from opening the windows.

– Sleep with a damp sheet.

– Drink plenty of water.

– Keep the air conditioning on, although it may be expensive.

Stay with ABC 17 Stormtrack as we continue to monitor the current heat wave and some cooler weather heading our way as we head into the middle of July.