High heat melts KC’s old record for sweltering

Kansas City hit a record 104 degrees on Friday.

That official temperature at Kansas City International Airport broke the previous record for July 6 of 103 degrees, set in 1954 and 1939.

It also hit 104 at Wheeler Downtown Airport.

The National Weather Service said record highs also are expected in the region today. In Kansas City, where the predicted high is 104, the record is 105, set in 1939.

The heat index could approach 110 in many areas, and officials have issued an orange ozone alert, meaning people should limit prolonged outdoor exertion.

But there is a chance for thunderstorms tonight and into Sunday as a “cold” front moves south.