‘Extremely hot’ in Kansas City as heat index soars to near 105 degrees Friday
It’ll be an uncomfortable weekend in the Kansas City area as the heat index is expected to soar well above 100 degrees, said FOX4 meteorologist Karli Ritter.
“Later on today (Friday) it’s going to be extremely hot,” said Ritter, who provides weather updates to The Star. “We have an excessive heat warning that kicks off at noon for the immediate metro.”
Afternoon highs are expected to be in the mid-90s, but the high humidity will send the heat index soaring to around 105 degrees in the metro area, Ritter said.
“The heat index is what is going to make it dangerously hot outside,” Ritter said. “You need to prepare for this kind of heat. And it’s not just today that we’re going to be dealing with this heat. It’s going to return tomorrow and again on Sunday.”
And there won’t be much relief from the heat as overnight temperatures are expected to remain near 80 degrees.
The National Weather Service in Kansas City issued the excessive heat warning for counties in the Kansas City metro area which goes into effect at noon and continues through 9 p.m. Sunday. The heat index could reach as 110 degrees.
Saturday is expected to be the hottest day this weekend, the weather service said.
“Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities,” the weather service said in its excessive heat warning.
People are urged to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room and out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles.
People working outdoors should consider rescheduling strenuous activities to early morning or evening, as well as wearing lightweight and loose fitting clothing.
“To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends 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 9 1 1.”
Rain chances go up Sunday into Monday and Tuesday as thunderstorms sweep through the area, Ritter said. Temperatures will dip a little, however they will hover around 90 degrees well into the middle of next week, Ritter said.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREHow we did this story
The Star produced this weather update in partnership with the local FOX4 television station. The station’s meteorologists create forecast videos multiple times a day for the newspaper to include in its weather reports.
This story was originally published July 17, 2020 at 9:08 AM.
