Excessive heat warning in effect through 7 p.m. today

Excessive heat warning today. (National Weather Service)
Severe weather outlook for today and Sunday. (National Weather Service graphic)

An excessive heat warning remains in effect for Wyandotte County and areas along and south of the Missouri River, according to the National Weather Service. This includes the entire Kansas City metro for today.

Today’s high will be near 96 with a heat index of 106, the weather service said. A south wind of 10 to 15 mph may gust as high as 22 mph.

Residents are advised to drink plenty of water, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check on elderly relatives and neighbors, according to the weather service. Children and pets should never be left unattended in cars.

Isolated severe storms will be possible late this afternoon and evening as a cold front moves across the area, the weather service said. Large hail and damaging winds will be the main threats with this activity.

Moderate river flooding will continue along the Missouri River from Nebraska City down through St. Joseph, Missouri, according to the weather service. This will cause flooding in low-lying rural areas along the river not protected by levees. Minor flooding is expected further downstream with little impact as of now, though conditions will need to be monitored, the weather service said. Atchison, Kansas, is currently in minor flood stage, and Leavenworth, Kansas, is in the action stage. In Wyandotte County, the rivers are not near flood stage.

Tonight, there is a 60 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1 a.m., according to the weather service. The low will be around 74 with a south wind of 9 to 14 mph, gusting as high as 20 mph. Between a half and three-quarters of an inch of rain is possible.

Sunday, there is a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, with a high near 88 and a south southwest wind of 6 to 8 mph, becoming west in the afternoon, the weather service said. Between a tenth and quarter-inch of rain is possible.

Sunday night, the low will be around 71 with a northwest wind of 6 mph becoming light and variable in the evening, according to the weather service.

Monday, it will be sunny with a high near 92 and an east southeast wind of 3 to 6 mph, the weather service said.

Monday night, the low will be around 74 with partly cloudy skies, according to the weather service.

Tuesday, it will be mostly sunny with a high near 94, the weather service said.

Tuesday night, skies will be mostly clear with a low of 76, according to the weather service.

Wednesday, Independence Day, skies will be mostly sunny with a high of 93, the weather service said.

Wednesday night, the low will be around 75, according to the weather service.

Thursday, it will be sunny with a high of 94, the weather service said.

Thursday night, the low will be around 74 with mostly clear skies, according to the weather service.

Friday, it will be mostly sunny with a high near 93, the weather service said.

Saturday events

In the event of inclement weather, contact the sponsoring organization to see if the event will still be held.

Bonner Springs Farmers Market open today
The Bonner Springs Farmers Market will be held from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 30, at Kelly Murphy Park, 129 Elm St., Bonner Springs.

Spanish singing lessons offered at library
Spanish singing lessons are offered from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, June 30, at Conference Room B, South Branch Library, 3104 Strong Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. This program is for children.

Women’s luncheon planned
A Lady Boss Luncheon will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 30, at the South Branch Library, Conference Room A, 3104 Strong Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. The event is for women entrepreneurs. For information, call 913-265-0781.

Fireworks safety tips offered

On the Fourth of July, residents can follow some safety tips to avoid injuries with fireworks.

While consumer grade fireworks are allowed between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. from July 2 and July 4 in Kansas City, Kansas, the Kansas City, Kansas, Fire Department is urging residents and visitors to be cautious when using them.

Each year, almost 10,000 people are injured as a result of the improper use of fireworks, according to information from Fire Marshal John Droppelmann.

There are fireworks displays available for the public to watch, including one at 9:45 p.m. July 3 at Pierson Park, 1800 S. 55th St., Kansas City, Kansas, which is sponsored by the Turner Recreation Commission and the Unified Government Parks Department. It is open to the public. There will be no parking on the left side of the street, and no outside fireworks will be allowed into the park.

The Fire Department is encouraging residents to follow these safety tips to reduce the potential for injuries this year:

• Purchase fireworks from reliable sources, never discharge homemade or illegal fireworks.

• Have a responsible adult in charge and never give fireworks to children.

• Always read and follow label instructions for the safe discharge of fireworks.

• Prepare a safe environment outdoors for the shooting of fireworks by selecting an area clear of other fireworks, and clear of combustible materials such as dried wood, grass and structure. Also, cut the rass low in the areas where fireworks will be discharged.

• Have water readily available, such as a garden hose or bucket; pump sprayers are reasonably priced and portable should a grass fire ignite.

• Never carry fireworks in your pockets.

• When lighting fireworks, never position any part of your body over the fireworks.

• Do not shoot or point fireworks at people or animals.

• Light fireworks one at a time and wait until it discharges; never attempt to re-light a device that did not discharge the first time. Wait 20 minutes to approach the “dud” and soak it with water.

• Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.

• It is illegal to shoot fireworks from, on, or under a vehicle.

• It is illegal to shoot fireworks on any public roadway, alley or sidewalk; within 150 feet of a fireworks stand, within 100 feet of a gas station, or within 1,000 feet of a hospital or home for the aged.

• Fireworks may be discharged between the hours of 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. July 2 to 4.

The Fire Department wishes all residents and visitors a safe and happy Fourth of July, a spokesman said. For more information, contact the fire marshal’s office, 913-573-5550.