After a few days of relief, the heat is back in the KVOE listening area yet again.
The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory going into effect for Lyon, Coffey, Morris, Osage and Wabaunsee counties from 1 p.m. Tuesday from through 8 p.m. Friday. Combined with high temperatures approaching 100 degrees will be humidity making it feel like 100 to 107 degrees each afternoon.
With temperatures reaching the high 90s throughout the week local officials are asking residents to help conserve water. If the situation gets worse in Lyon County, Commission Chair Rollie Martin says the county would support any conservation decisions made by the city of Emporia, which handles the water supply for nearly the entire county as well as portions of Chase, Greenwood and Osage counties. In the meantime, Martin encouraged ranchers to watch their water use with livestock.
Morris County Emergency Manager Chris Blackledge says one way to do so is to hold off watering yards or plants until the evening.
Overusing water, especially in cases of extreme heat, can cause extra stress on water mains leading to cracks and breaks in the line. Residents should also avoid taking multiple showers in a day, overfilling pools and make sure all water is turned off after outdoor water activities.
Water restrictions are not currently in place in Lyon County despite Friday’s announcement of a drought emergency by Gov. Jeff Colyer, although voluntary restrictions were recently approved in Chase County. The last time water restrictions were enacted in Emporia — and, as a result, Lyon County — was in 2013.
