Kansas City’s soggy Monday gives way to metro’s first blast of dangerous heat
A soggy Monday is giving way to a week of dangerous heat in Kansas City, with heat index readings expected to reach or exceed 100 degrees by midweek.
Scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms are expected to linger Monday morning south and southwest of Kansas City, according to the National Weather Service. Lightning and locally heavy downpours are the main concerns.
Warm, moist air will continue to build into the area, keeping uncomfortable conditions around. Temperatures should climb to around 86 degrees on Monday. Heat index values south of the Missouri River are expected to reach the mid- to upper 90s on Monday..
“Dew points in the 70s will make the air feel quite thick and unpleasant,” the weather service said.
Another round of storms may move into eastern Kansas and western Missouri in the evening and overnight, the weather service said. Severe weather cannot be ruled out. Damaging winds will be the primary threat, as well as heavy downpours that could lead to localized flooding. Areas west of U.S. 65 in central Missouri have the best chances of storms Monday night.
Hot and humid conditions are expected roughly Tuesday through Thursday, with temperatures in the upper 80s to low 90s, and dew points in the mid- to upper 70s.
Generally, during the summer months, dew points of 55 degrees or lower indicate a dry and comfortable feel. With dew points between 55 and 65 degrees, it will become sticky and muggy, forecasters say.
Dew points above 65 degrees indicate a high level of moisture in the air, making the heat oppressive.
“For Tuesday specifically, heat indices are expected to climb to around 105 degrees for the metro and counties south of the Missouri River,” the weather service said. “With high confidence in hitting those heat indices, a heat advisory has been issued for those areas Tuesday.”
The advisory is in effect from noon to 10 p.m. Tuesday. Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses, the weather service said.
“Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors,” the weather service said in the advisory.
People should also take extra precautions when outside by wearing lightweight and loose-fitting clothing. They should also limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening.
Heat indices around 105 degrees are also possible on Wednesday.
A cold front is expected to approach the region midweek, bringing a better chance for showers and storms Wednesday evening into Thursday (60-70% at its peak Wednesday evening), the Weather Service said. Timing is still uncertain, and some storms could be strong to severe.
If the front comes through late Wednesday, Thursday could be cooler and less humid.
Temperatures on Thursday are expected to be around 87 degrees, with the heat index in the mid-90s.
