Weather Alert Day: Dangerous heat through most of the week with some storm chances
UPDATE:
Tuesday Morning Update:
Heat continues today, with dangerous heat index values not changing much in the forecast.
This morning there is a growing chance for storms this afternoon. There is still a lot of uncertainty regarding timing and placement of storms, but should they materialize, they have a good chance at becoming severe. It's important to remember that these may not materialize at all for us in mid-Missouri. The uncertainty revolves around how activity develops and matures to our north. Given morning storms, the environment is complicated in Western Iowa, but storms from this region could arrive and pack a punch in mid-Missouri from noon through the sunset hours. Storms will not persist this long, but this is the window. Our greatest severe concern is wind, with a possibility of hail as well. A tornado is possible, but less likely.
BLOG:
The ABC 17 Stormtrack Weather Team has issued a Weather Alert Day ahead of days of dangerously hot temperatures coupled with sweltering humidity.
The heat index will be well over 100 each day, with 105-110 likely through Thursday. An Excessive Heat Warning is in effect through Thursday night for much of Mid-Missouri.
Cooling storm chances will remain low through most of the week with the storm track riding along the top of the ridge of high pressure that will be focused just to our north. With southwest upper flow locked in, we'll see dew points in the 70s. Highs in the 90s will yield those dangerous heat indices.
Be sure to take extra care to stay cool this week, along with keeping your pets safe. Avoid walking them during the peak heating hours of the day, and make sure they have access to cool, shaded shelter and cool water. Keep their paws off hot pavement on hot days as the temperature can be up to almost 30 degrees hotter on asphalt vs. the grass.
Know the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke. If you suspect someone is experiencing a heat stroke, call 911 immediately. Drink extra water and avoid salty foods when temperatures are this brutal.
