Kansas City keeps baking. How long will this dangerous heat wave last?
The Kansas City region stays locked in a dangerous early-summer heat wave, with heat index values topping 100 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. A change is brewing, but it won’t arrive right away.
An extreme heat warning remains in effect through Friday evening, but it could be extended, according to the weather service.
Daytime temperatures could reach the mid-90s on Wednesday, well above the normal of 87 degrees for this time of year in the metro. Heat index values are expected to climb to around 103 degrees.
This could be the fourth consecutive day of heat index values over 100 degrees. Heat index values reached 108 degrees on Sunday and Monday, and 107 degrees on Tuesday at the Kansas City Downtown Airport – Wheeler Field.
Winds will remain breezy overnight, which will limit the amount of cooling each night. Overnight temperatures will remain in the mid- and upper 70s.
“This type of heat overnight is not providing any relief from daytime heat,” the weather service said. “This heat is expected to continue through at least Friday.”
Temperatures are expected to remain in the mid-90s on Thursday and Friday, with heat index values around 103 degrees.
HeatRisk is at a major level (3 out of 4), meaning heat-related illness is a serious risk for many people — especially anyone without reliable air conditioning, shade, or plenty of water.
While most areas will remain dry through the end of this week, there is a chance for weakening showers and storms over far northwestern Missouri each evening, the weather service said.
Some forecast models suggest the heat could linger into Saturday, but the weather service isn’t confident enough yet to extend the extreme heat warning into July 4th. Forecasters will be monitoring this closely.
Scattered chances for showers and storms will increase in the region this weekend and into early next week. Temperatures and heat index values are expected to return to near normal during this timeframe.
