Power companies have been doing their best to avoid shutdowns — both of their equipment and employees — as the excessive heat continues across most of Kansas.
Westar spokesperson Gina Penzig says the utility is keeping a close eye on operations this week. She says equipment is not getting much of a break with heat index readings above 105 degrees since Wednesday.
Westar is also taking extra care with its linemen and other crew members. There are daily briefings to highlight the dangers of the heat, the need to hydrate and the need to watch other crew team members for signs of heat stress.
Here in Emporia, we’ve seen air temperatures reach 97 both Wednesday and Thursday, with heat index readings as high as 108 Wednesday and 107 Thursday. Melvern has had the worst heat index readings areawide, hitting 111 both days.
The excessive heat warning in place since Wednesday continues through Saturday evening, with air temperatures in the upper 90s and heat index readings between 106 and 110. Below-normal conditions are coming Sunday with a chance of storms and a high in the mid-80s followed by low-80s for Monday and Tuesday.
We’ll keep you updated on KVOE and KVOE.com.
