Extreme heat in forecast for Southeast Missouri

A blisteringly hot Fourth of July is expected this year, with triple-digit heat forecast to start later this week.

"High temperatures aren't unusual at this time of year by any means, but their persistence is a little unusual," said Robin Smith, National Weather Service meteorologist.

Triple-digit temperatures are forecast beginning midweek into the middle of next week, including July 4. After a brief respite today, when the highs dip into the 80s, temperatures up to 105 degrees are in store throughout the upcoming week, according to the National Weather Service in Paducah, Ky.

"We don't have any significant relief in the forecast," Smith said.

Smith warned that heat can be dangerous, especially to the very young and the elderly. Those who live without air conditioning must take precautions.

Rachel Trevino, National Weather Service meteorologist, said highs for this time of year are typically in the upper 80s. Temperatures in the upcoming week have the potential to challenge record highs, according to Trevino. Cape Girardeau's record high occurred in 1980 at 105 degrees.

The widespread drought is allowing temperatures to reach higher than normal, Trevino said. The lack of humidity, she said, can be both a blessing and a curse: The lower humidity holds down the heat index, but the air temperature will be higher from the lack of moisture.

The higher temperatures are also dangerous to local crops, as they further dry out the soil in a period of persistent drought. Gov. Jay Nixon has asked for a crop assessment by the federal Farm Service Agency, the first step in seeking a disaster declaration. If estimated yield losses exceed 30 percent for particular crops or farmers, counties could be eligible for a primary disaster declaration. That would make farmers eligible for emergency loans.

The weather service is warning that conditions create a major risk for wildfires, and any kind of outdoor burning -- including fireworks -- should be avoided or done carefully.

Burn bans are in place in many areas, including Cape Girardeau County.

Trevino said a weak cool front was expected to move in late Monday, but temperatures will rise rapidly by Wednesday.

Trevino said temperatures forecast for the rest of this week and early next week are typically seen in late July or early August rather than late June.

Hot spells of more than 20 days above 90 degrees have been recorded, Trevino said. She couldn't speculate on the duration of the upcoming hot spell, but said she expects the high pressure system over the central plains to remain stationary for a while.

About 400 Americans die every year due to summer heat, according to the American Red Cross. Recently, excessive heat has caused more deaths than all other weather events, including tornadoes, floods and hurricanes.

Heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke are pressing concerns during the summer heat. Local hospitals and city health departments monitor heat-related illnesses closely, Cape Girardeau County Emergency Management director Dick Knaup said.

A 57-year-old man in Butler County died last July of heat-related illness. An air temperature of 98 degrees was recorded the day he died, July 12 -- a temperature lower than that expected in the coming week.

Keeping hydrated is important during periods of extreme heat. Dehydrating beverages, such as those containing alcohol or caffeine, should be avoided. Wearing lightweight and light-colored clothing can make extreme heat more bearable. Strenuous activity and outdoors activities should be avoided during the heat of the day. The coolest portion of the day is typically 4 and 7 a.m. Regularly checking on neighbors, family and friends who are elderly is encouraged.

Cooling centers are available for those who need relief.

The Cape Girardeau Salvation Army, 701 Good Hope St., holds a Meals With Friends program where residents can come to cool off, as well as receive a free meal, according to Tina Rodgers, Salvation Army case manager. Rodgers said the Cape Girardeau location has given away 220 fans to the public.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

rovermann@semissourian.com

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