Dangerous heat grips Kansas City. Why warm nights make it worse
Humidity-fueled heat will keep squeezing the Kansas City area this week, with “feels like” temperatures near 105 to 110 degrees on Tuesday, the National Weather Service said. Warm nights will offer little relief, especially for those without air conditioning, raising the risk of heat illness.
Temperatures are expected to reach around 93 degrees Tuesday in the metro area. With humidity factored in, it could feel closer to around 106 degrees, the weather service said.
Overnight temperatures are expected to dip to around 77 degrees. Typically, Kansas City sees temperatures climb to around 87 degrees during the day and dip into the upper 60s at night this time of year.
The warm overnight temperatures are a concern, as that’s when the body typically recovers from the daytime heat. Nighttime temperatures above 75 degrees strain the body and limit heat recovery, while temperatures above 80 degrees can prevent recovery entirely.
An extreme heat warning remains in effect until 9 p.m. Friday for portions of east, central and northeast Kansas and central, north-central, northeast, northwest and west-central Missouri.
The Kansas City metro is under major HeatRisk (Level 3 of 4) as dangerously hot weather continues this week, according to the weather service.
HeatRisk is a newer tool that the weather service developed with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to show how unusual the heat is for the time of year and how its effects on the body can build over several days and warm nights.
An extreme HeatRisk (Level 4 of 4) “bullseye” remains over central Missouri and extends slightly westward toward U.S. 65, the weather service said.
A major risk means there much of the population, especially those without effective cooling or hydration, are at risk of heat-related illnesses. Air conditioning is necessary, as fans and open windows at night will not be enough to provide relief at night, the weather service said.
People are encouraged to drink plenty of water, wear lightweight, light-colored clothing, and avoid outdoor activities during the warmest parts fo the day. They should also stay in air-conditioned locations during the day.
An extreme risk means the entire population is at risk as this is a prolonged heat event that is very dangerous unless precautions are taken, the weather service said.
Most areas should stay dry through Friday, although a few storms could brush far northwestern Missouri late Wednesday into Thursday and again Thursday night into Friday. The chances remain low, only 15% to 25%, for both opportunities.
The best chance for widespread showers and storms does not arrive until Saturday evening and early Sunday morning, coming in at around 30% to 50% area wide.
The hot and humid conditions are expected to continue into the weekend and early next week, although the heat is not expected to be quite as extreme as this week, and warrants close monitoring in the coming days, the weather service said.
