Excessive heat warning goes into effect today
An excessive heat warning will be in effect today from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.
The heat index could reach as high as 112 in Wyandotte County, while temperatures may rise to 96 degrees today, the weather service said.
Tonight, there is a 20 percent chance of isolated severe storms here, with damaging winds being the main threat, according to the weather service.
An excessive heat warning means that a prolonged period of dangerously hot temperatures will occur, the weather service said.
The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a dangerous situation in which heat illnesses are likely, according to the weather service.
Residents should drink plenty of water, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun and check up on relatives and neighbors, the weather service said. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles. When temperatures are in the 90s, the interiors of cars can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.
Cooling centers should be open throughout the Greater Kansas City area this afternoon.
In Wyandotte County, these include the Unified Government community and recreation centers, the lobby of City Hall, the public libraries, the three YMCA locations in Wyandotte County, and the Salvation Army at 67th and State Avenue. For a list of these cooling centers, visit https://wyandotteonline.com/cooling-centers-open-this-afternoon/.
For more weather information, visit www.weather.gov/kc.