Dangerous hot temperatures in Mid-Missouri

Temperatures were in the high 90’s all day, but the heat did not stop the Soap Box Derby races or people from playing outside in Columbia today.

The director of the Soap Box Derby races, Rick Mckernan, said, “it’s probably among the hottest of the years.”

Other Columbia residents said they were trying to make the best of the heat.

Josiah Wilson and his family went to the Flat Branch Park where they played in the splash-pad for hours to cool off.

“We’ve been in the splash-pad for the last two and a half hours to stay out of this very raging hot heat weekend,” said Wilson.

Elizabeth Wilson, mom of three, said her kids are enjoying the hot day, but she’s been making sure they are being safe.

“We’ve been drinking a lot of water, we’ve been making sure we’ve been reapplying sunscreen,” said Elizabeth Wilson.

McKernan said at the Soap Box Derby races, they’ve had heat problems in the past, but not this year.

“People are obviously hot and uncomfortable, hence the tents on Broadway, hence the water jugs with ice at the ends of the track,” said McKernan.

He also said that it’s probably even more uncomfortable for the kids racing. The cars get very hot; they are filled with metal, wood, and weights.

“I expect it’s pretty uncomfortable for some of these young people to be sitting with shorts on some of that metal,” said McKernan.

According to the CDC, they have recommendations to keep yourself safe during these hot temperatures.

Drink water, even if you aren’t thirsty Wear sunscreen Wear light-weight and light-colored clothing Pace yourself