‘Prepare for the heat’: What you need to know about dangerously hot conditions in KC
Update: An excessive heat warning that runs from noon Saturday until 10 p.m. Wednesday was issued for the Kansas City area and portions of east-central and northeast Kansas and north-central, northwest and west-central Missouri. Dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 113 degrees expected, the National Weather Service said. Overnight temperatures are expected to fall only into the mid-70s, minimizing recovery from the heat which could compound into heat-related illnesses.
The run of generally pleasant weather in the Kansas City area will come to an abrupt end this weekend as dangerously hot conditions are expected to arrive and continue into next week, the National Weather Service said.
But before the prolonged heat arrives, the metro will see temperatures in the mid- to upper 80s on Friday with dew points remaining below 60 degrees.
On Saturday, the hotter conditions will move into the Kansas City area and persist through at least Thursday, the weather service said. Along with the hotter conditions, dew points are expected to climb into the low to mid-70s.
The higher the dew point, the muggier it will feel. In general, when dew points reach between 55 and 65 degrees during summer, conditions become “sticky” or muggy. Above that, conditions become more oppressive. Dew points less than or equal to 55 degrees make conditions feel dry and comfortable.
With the onset of hotter conditions, the weather service has placed the Kansas City area under an excessive heat watch, which runs from noon Saturday through Wednesday evening.
The extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the chance for heat-related illnesses, especially for those working or participating in activities outdoors.
“If you have outdoor plans this weekend, prepare for the heat! Drink plenty of fluids. Wear light-colored and loose-fitting clothing,” the weather service said on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Take frequent breaks in the shade or in air-condition.”
The hottest temperatures are expected to remain west of Kansas City on Saturday, although some areas in far eastern Kansas could see triple digit temperatures, the weather service said in its forecast discussion.
In Kansas City, temperatures are expected to be around 99 degrees.
The high pressure system that is bringing the heat is expected to expand over the Kansas City region and become centered over western Missouri on Sunday.
Unlike the last wave of hot temperatures that had occasional showers and thunderstorms that helped cool things down, skies are expected to be dry. This will push temperatures toward triple digits with heat index values nearing 110 degrees, the weather service said.
Temperatures are expected to soar above 100 degrees on Sunday. The last time it was 100 degrees or hotter in Kansas City was on Aug. 6, 2022, when temperatures reached the century mark, according to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Regional Climate Centers.
The long range forecast indicates that temperatures might be above 100 degrees each day through Thursday. Overnight temperatures are expected to remain about 70 degrees.
There is a possibility of cooler conditions toward the end of the week, the weather service said.
This story was originally published August 18, 2023 at 8:39 AM.
