The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Watch, which is in effect from Wednesday afternoon through Sunday evening for all of southeast Missouri, southern Illinois, southwest Indiana and western Kentucky.
* HEAT INDEX VALUES peaking around 105 degrees each afternoon.
* IMPACTS…The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will lead to an increased risk of heat related stress and illness. The very young, the elderly, those without air conditioning, and those participating in strenuous outdoor activities will be the most susceptible. Also, car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…An Excessive Heat Watch means that a prolonged period of hottemperatures is expected. The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a dangerous situation in which heat illnesses are possible. Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air conditioned room, stay out of the sun ,and check up on relatives and neighbors.
Forecast through Friday:
Tonight…A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2am. Patchy fog after 5am. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 71. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Tuesday…Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Tuesday Night…Mostly clear, with a low around 69. Light and variable wind.
Wednesday…Sunny, with a high near 93. Calm wind becoming west around 6 mph in the afternoon.
Wednesday Night…Mostly clear, with a low around 74. Light and variable wind.
Thursday…Sunny and hot, with a high near 97. Calm wind becoming west southwest around 6 mph in the morning.
Thursday Night…Mostly clear, with a low around 75. Southwest wind 3 to 5 mph.
Friday…Sunny, with a high near 95. Southwest wind 3 to 7 mph.