We may be nearing the end of one heatwave and getting set for yet another come next week.
Based on current forecasts, the listening area should see the current heatwave take a momentary break by Wednesday evening with the majority of the listening area set to be clear of an excessive heat warning by 8 pm. The warning will remain in place until 7 pm Thursday, the original expiration time issued by the National Weather Service, for Coffey, Chase and Greenwood counties.
After peaking at 102 with a heat index of 110 Wednesday, temperatures are set to be somewhat cooler come Thursday, Friday and Saturday only reaching the mid to low 90s all three days. Sadly, the slight cool down isn’t expected to last long as temperatures are forecasted to rise back into the low hundreds possibly by Sunday and continuing through the early half of the following work week.
With that in mind, cooling centers have been active for the past week and will likely have their doors open yet again over the upcoming week. Locations have included the Emporia Police Department and Lyon County Sheriff’s Office lobbies at 518 and 425 Mechanic Street respectively.
According to Emporia Police Captain Ray Mattas, EPD has not seen a high level of foot traffic from those looking to get out of the heat thus far. It’s been the same at the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office according to Undersheriff John Koelsch.
Despite this, both Mattas and Koelsch say they are happy to provide the service as it is better to have it and not see much usage than to need it and not have it. Mattas adds both locations are convenient as they are close to medical personnel in the event a visitor is suffering from a heat-related affliction.
Some have stated their apprehension, mainly via social media, to utilize the services provided by local law enforcement either due to fear of disrupting their work or simply not wanting to enter a law enforcement center. Koelsch says it is understandable, however, an individual’s presence in their lobby will never disrupt their day-to-day operations.
Furthermore, Mattas says for those who may be concerned about being “apprehended” or “interrogated” by law enforcement personnel, he says they are not looking to run background checks or anyone’s personal information as they are simply wanting to make sure all residents have a safe and cool place to go.
For those who prefer not to use the law enforcement cooling centers, there are several other locations available:
*First Congregational Church of Emporia, 326 West 12th Avenue: 9 am to noon Monday through Friday and 1:30 pm to 4 pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Pets are welcome so long as they can be controlled.
*Bloom House Youth Services, 301 West 11th Avenue:
Open for TEENS and their families. You must have a teen present to access the center.
*Emporia Public Library, 110 E 6th Avenue: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday through Friday and 1 pm to 5 pm Saturday and Sunday. Service animals are welcome, but pets and ESA’s (Emotional Support Animals) are prohibited.
*Raise Your Paws, 312 Commercial: 8 am-noon and 1-5 pm weekdays. Friendly, leashed dogs are welcome. Water bottles and treats for dogs are available.
Area
*City of Strong City depot: 8 am to 4 pm weekdays.
If you or your business plans to act as a cooling center please message KVOE at 620-342-1400 or email KVOE@KVOE.com so the address can be added to our list.
While the excessive heat has been the main concern weather wise the past several days, another focus, at least over the next day or so, will be the potential for severe storms in portions of the listening area. A slight risk is in place for northwestern portion of Morris County and the majority of Wabaunsee County.
Meanwhile, a marginal risk covers the southern portions of Morris and Wabaunsee counties, all of Lyon, Chase and Osage counties and the majority of Greenwood and Coffey counties. The southern edges of both Greenwood and Coffey are clear of any risk as now.
Stay tuned to KVOE, KVOE.com and KVOE social media for more updates as they become available.
7 am Wednesday: WEATHER: Excessive heat warning adjusted to end Wednesday evening for Lyon, several surrounding counties; marginal severe weather risk ahead by Wednesday night
High temperatures stayed just below 100 degrees Tuesday after showers and embedded thunderstorms lingered through the late morning hours, with some cloud cover persisting after lunch.
It was still an uncomfortable day as peak heat index readings got to 106.
There’s more of the same expected now into the middle of next week, although the excessive heat warning initially set to expire Thursday evening areawide is now ending at 8 pm Wednesday for Lyon and several surrounding counties. Chase, Coffey and Greenwood counties are holding to the original 7 pm Thursday expiration time.
Air temperatures for Emporia on Wednesday could be at or above 100 with peak heat index readings of 106. There is also a good chance of showers and storms late Wednesday evening into early Thursday, with a marginal severe weather risk involving wind gusts up to 70 mph and hail to the size of quarters.
High temperatures should be in the upper 90 Thursday through Saturday and then at or above 100 Sunday through at least Tuesday.
Stay with KVOE, KVOE.com and KVOE social media for updates.
