Dangerous heat is expected this week in Kansas City. Here’s when it will be the hottest
It’s going to be a hot one this week in Kansas City.
After a normal start to the work week, heat and humidity is expected to build into the region, possibly sending temperatures soaring to 100 degrees or above for the first time since August, the National Weather Service in Kansas City said Monday.
Dangerous levels of heat are expected mid-week with the hottest day coming on Thursday. While most of the Kansas City area will see temperatures in the mid- to upper 90s and heat index values above 100 degrees, areas south of the Missouri River could see temperatures as high as 105 degrees. The humidity will make it feel hotter.
Extreme heat is the No. 1 weather-related killer. And early season heat poses a greater danger of heat stress and heat stroke because bodies haven’t had a chance to adjust to the hotter conditions, according the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The weather service is recommending that people stay hydrated during the extreme heat and take breaks in shaded or air conditioned areas. Also, people should never leave anyone or pets in parked vehicles.
The Kansas City area will have a few days to prepare before the heat gets cranking. Near normal conditions with lower humidity is expected Monday and Tuesday. Temperatures are expected to be in the uppers 80s on both days. Typically, Kansas City’s temperatures are in the mid-80s this time of year.
There is a chance for thunderstorms late Tuesday into early Wednesday. The storms will be scattered, so not everyone will see rain. No severe weather is expected from the storms that develop, according to the weather service.
The hotter and muggier weather conditions are expected to arrive Wednesday and continue into the end of the work week. Areas south of the Missouri River will see hotter temperatures than points to the north.
Kansas City has hit 100 degrees in 81 of the 136 years on record, the weather service said on Twitter.
Being this hot so early in the season, however, is a bit rare. Only in 16 years on record have 100-degree-days occurred in May or June. Typically, temperatures hold off getting that hot until around mid-July.
On average, the metro area sees temperatures reach 100 degree three days a year. The most was in 1936 when the metro reached temperatures that high 53 times, the weather service said on Twitter.
Conditions will continue to be hot on Friday. The Kansas City area will have a better chance for strong thunderstorms on Friday night as a cold front passes through.
The front will usher in much cooler temperatures, with conditions returning to near normal on Saturday and Sunday.
