Extreme heat descends on area

National Weather Service graphic

Extreme heat will affect Wyandotte County today with high temperatures in the mid to upper 90s and heat index values this afternoon ranging from 103 to 110 degrees.

A heat advisory is in effect until 7 p.m. Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service. A cold front will sink into the area tonight with a chance of thunderstorms.

Any thunderstorm that develops tonight will have the chance to be severe with damaging winds and large hail the main concerns.

Thunderstorms will again be possible Thursday night and Friday but severe weather is not anticipated.

On Tuesday there is an increased risk of heat-related illness, the weather service said. Residents are advised to drink plenty of water, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun and check on neighbors, the elderly and pets. Avoid caffeinated, alcoholic and high sugar content beverages.

Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or late evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing.

Schedule frequent rest breaks when outdoors in shaded or air-conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool or shaded location, and seek emergency assistance. Heat stroke is an emergency and residents should call 911 immediately.

The area’s public libraries are air-conditioned and open to the public through the evening hours. Recreation centers also are serving as cooling centers. Stores and movie theaters are air-conditioned.

Cooling centers:
Kansas City, Kan., Public Libraries
Main Branch, 625 Minnesota Ave., 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
South Branch, 3104 Strong Ave., 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
West Wyandotte Branch Library, 1737 N. 82nd St., 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Turner Community Library, 831 S. 55th St., 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, closed Sunday.
Bonner Springs-Edwardsville
Bonner Springs City Library, 201 N. Nettleton, Bonner Springs, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Bonner Springs Community Center, 200 E. 3rd St., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Unified Government Parks and Recreation and other
Eisenhower Community Center, 2901 N. 72nd, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Joe E. Amayo Argentine Community Center, 2801 Metropolitan, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Armourdale Community Center, 730 Osage, 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Turner Recreation Commission, 831 S. 55th St., 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, closed Sunday.
Kansas City, Kan., City Hall lobby, 701 N. 7th St., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Willa Gill Center, 645 Nebraska, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and holidays.
Wyandotte Towers high rise, cafeteria area, 915 Washington Blvd., 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
Juniper Gardens Community Center, 1980 N. 2nd St., 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily.
Mt. Carmel Church of God in Christ, south wing, 2025 N. 12th St., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Salvation Army, 6723 State Ave., 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.