The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for Wyandotte County and the surrounding area from 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 17, to 8 p.m. Saturday, July 20.
Today, temperatures will reach a high near 97, with a heat index as high as 110, according to the weather service. There is a 20 percent chance of showers in the morning.
Heat illnesses are possible for those spending prolonged time outside or time indoors in non-air-conditioned locations, the weather service said. The prolonged heat could be especially dangerous for those most susceptible, including young children and the elderly.
Residents are urged to take extra precautions if they work or spend time outside, according to the weather service. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water.
To reduce risk during outdoor work, experts recommend scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments, the weather service said. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency, call 911.
An excessive heat warning means that a prolonged period of dangerously hot temperatures will occur, according to the weather service. The combination of ot temperatures and high humidity will continue to create a dangerous situation in which heat illnesses are likely. Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun and check up on relatives and neighbors.
Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. This is especially true during warm or hot weather when car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes, according to the weather service.
The rivers in Wyandotte County are currently below flood stage. The Missouri River at Parkville, which includes the Wyandotte County area, is in action stage, and below flood stage. The Kansas River at 23rd Street, where the gauge is at Kansas Avenue and the state line, is below flood stage and below action stage.
Today, there is a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11 a.m. The forecast is mostly sunny and hot with a high of 97, and a heat index as high as 110, the weather service said. A south wind of 7 to 14 mph will gust as high as 25 mph.
Tonight, it will be mostly clear, with a low of 79 and a south wind of 10 to 13 mph, gusting as high as 22 mph, according to the weather service.
Thursday, it will be sunny and hot, with a high near 97 and heat index values as high as 109, the weather service said. A south southwest wind of 10 to 15 mph will gust as high as 26 mph.
Thursday night, it will be mostly clear, with a low of 79 and a south southwest wind of 10 mph, gusting as high as 22 mph.
Friday, it will be sunny and hot, with a high near 97 and a south southwest wind of 9 to 11 mph, gusting as high as 24 mph, the weather service said.
Friday night, it will be mostly clear, with a low of 78, according to the weather service.
Saturday, it will be sunny, with a high near 96, the weather service said.
Saturday night, it will be partly cloudy, with a low of 76, according to the weather service.
Sunday, it will be mostly sunny, with a high near 93, the weather service said.
Sunday night, there is a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, according to the weather service. It will be partly cloudy, with a low of 70.
Monday, it will be mostly sunny, with a high near 87, the weather service said.
Monday night, it will be mostly clear, with a low of 66, according to the weather service.
Tuesday, it will be sunny, with a high near 86, the weather service said.