The term “extreme” gets overused, but it accurately described Saturday’s miserable weather conditions and could still apply for Sunday and Monday.
Saturday’s air temperature climbed to 98 degrees. However, dewpoints approaching 80 degrees for much of the afternoon pushed the peak heat index to 116 — about 10 degrees hotter than heat index forecasts as late as Saturday morning, thanks to a combination of high dewpoints, lack of wind to bring drier air down to the surface and corn sweat. The National Weather Service says the last time Emporia had a peak heat index of at least 115 was July 23, 2015.
Other area locations had similar peak heat index readings.
*Burlington: 114 degrees
*Eureka Milliken Airport: 117 degrees
Relief, if there is any Sunday and Monday, likely won’t be tangible. Air temperatures will approach 100 degrees Sunday and may get as high as 102 Monday. Dewpoints will be lower both days, but dewpoints in the low 70s will still lead to heat index readings as high as 110 Sunday. Dewpoints in the mid- and upper 60s Monday will still push heat index readings to between 104-107.
Emporia Fire had one heat-related medical call Saturday.
Heat-related alerts continue areawide.
*Extreme heat warning: Lyon, Coffey, Morris, Osage and Wabaunsee counties until 9 pm. A heat advisory then runs from 9 pm Sunday to 7 pm Monday, followed by an extreme heat watch for all announced counties from 7 pm Monday to 7 pm Tuesday
*Heat advisory: Chase and Greenwood counties until 8 pm
With the oppressive heat continuing until storms re-enter the forecast picture late Tuesday night, residents are urged to take all the necessary heat-related precautions, including:
*Light and loose-fitting clothes
*Extra water
*Avoid alcoholic drinks
*Limit outdoor activities
*Shifting schedules so strenuous activities are in the morning and evening or delaying those activities until the weather improves
*Frequent breaks in shade or air conditioning
*Wear sunscreen
Also, parents and guardians are reminded to never leave children unattended in vehicles when running errands. Residents should also check on elderly neighbors.
Stay with KVOE, KVOE.com and KVOE social media for updates.
