Dangerous oppressively hot weather continues in KC. How long will heat wave last?
Dangerously hot conditions will continue in the Kansas City area for most of this week as heat index values are expected to soar to between 110 and 120 degrees on most days, according to the National Weather Service in Kansas City.
“Folks, these conditions are untenable for even short durations,” the National Weather Service in Kansas City said after a heat index value of 134 degrees was reported Sunday in Lawrence.
“These types of conditions will continue through at least Wednesday, perhaps into Thursday,” the weather service said on X, formerly known as Twitter. “As much as possible, limit outdoor exposure for the upcoming week.”
Although temperatures have yet to crack 100 degrees at Kansas City International Airport (MCI), the official weather reporting station for the metro, heat index values climbed to near 120 degrees on Sunday.
Peak heat index values between 110 to 120 degrees are expected for most days this week. An excessive heat warning is in effect in the Kansas City area until 10 p.m. Thursday. Actual temperatures are expected to peak around 100 degrees each day through Thursday.
Wet bulb globe temperatures, which measures heat stress in direct sunlight, will be well above 90 for much of the area Monday through Wednesday. The weather service urges those running outdoor functions, like school athletics, to consult its wet bulb glove temperature page when making decisions about holding outdoor school events.
Both Missouri and Kansas has activity and rest break guidelines when conditions get this hot. In general, when wet bulb globe temperatures rise above 90 degrees, outdoor practice and competitions should be canceled or delayed until lower temperatures are reached.
Meanwhile, overnight temperatures are expected to fall only into the mid-70s to low 80s, which will provide little relief from the heat and minimize recovery. This could compound the effect of the heat and lead to heat-related illnesses, the weather service said.
Shortly before 1 a.m. Monday, Kansas City’s Wheeler Downtown Airport reported temperatures of 87 degrees with a heat index of 104 degrees, the weather service said on X.
People are urged to drink plenty of water, stay out of the sun and check up on relatives and neighbors.
Cooler temperatures are expected to move into the area for the weekend, with temperatures returning to the mid-80s. Typically, the temperatures are in the mid- to upper 80s this time of year in Kansas City.
This story was originally published August 21, 2023 at 8:44 AM.
