Weather Alert Day: Tracking dangerous heat through this weekend
The ABC 17 Stormtrack Weather Team has issued a Weather Alert Day in effect today through tonight for the potential of dangerous heat.
A Heat Advisory is in effect for the entire viewing area for heat indices between 105-107 on Sunday.
The jet stream will continue to lift north this week, with high pressure building across Mid-Missouri late in the week. Dew points will be on the rise with more moisture streaming into the area. The combination of dew points in the 70s and air temperatures in the upper 90s will allow heat indices to reach the 102-108 degree range.
Despite the heat and humidity, rain chances will be very slim through the weekend to give us any relief. A spot storm is possible this afternoon, but the rest of the weekend is looking dry.
It's important to remember to stay hydrated as heat indices rise and take frequent breaks if you have to be outdoors for a long period of time.
The higher amount of moisture in the air makes it harder for sweat to cool us down compared to dry air that helps with evaporation.
It's vital to know the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke. In both cases, urgent action needs to be taken. A person suffering from heat exhaustion will feel faint or dizzy, nauseous, sweat a lot, and could experience muscle cramps. Quickly get into an air-conditioned area and drink water to help recover.
Heat stroke presents itself after exhaustion has already set in. A person on the verge of a heat stroke could experience a throbbing headache, less sweating, a high body temperature, and a rapid strong pulse. If you or someone you know is exhibiting these symptoms, call 911 immediately while cooling the person down.
Pets are also very susceptible to heat effects. Make sure they have a shaded area to rest if they can't be brought inside, along with plenty of cold, fresh water. Keep them off the pavement during the hottest parts of the day as the pavement or asphalt rises quickly above 150 degrees when the air temperature is above 90 degrees.
Cars can also become very dangerous very quickly in hot temperatures. Within minutes, the temperature inside the car can reach 110 degrees. Pets should never be left inside cars even with the windows cracked in the spring and summer because they do not have the ability to sweat.
