Heat alerts issued as temperatures soar this week

By Jared Shelton

High heat and humidity builds into the mid-Missouri River Valley on Monday afternoon, as a wave of above-average temperatures sweeps through the heartland.

Temperatures are anticipated to reach the upper 90s across Northwest Missouri and Northeast Kansas after lunchtime Monday, with oppressive humidity resulting in heat indices or “feels like” temperatures of up to 110 degrees. Similar conditions are anticipated through the afternoon hours of Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

A heat advisory has been issued for much of Northwest Missouri and Northeast Kansas, including Buchanan County and points north, from 1 p.m. Monday to 7 p.m. Thursday. An excessive heat warning has been issued across the Kansas City metro, where heat and humidity will be more oppressive through the period.

To avoid cases of heat-related illness, be sure to drink plenty of fluids, have access to an air-conditioned space, stay out of the sun and check up on relatives and neighbors.

Temperatures are forecast to remain above average through Thursday, with excessive heat subsiding by Friday and into the weekend.