Heat, humidity prompt concerns in Missouri

ST. LOUIS (AP) -- As sweltering heat and humidity remained settled over Missouri with no relief in sight, health experts and forecasters on Monday urged residents to stay in the air conditioning and take it easy.

The hot weather of the past several days is getting hotter. High temperatures in much of the state were expected to reach well into the upper 90s -- and in many cases above 100 degrees -- through much of this week. Combined with high humidity, the heat index -- what it feels like -- is predicted to climb above a potentially dangerous 105 degrees. Little or no rain is expected.

"People don't realize it but heat is generally the number-one killer" among weather-related causes, said Ben Miller, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service office in suburban St. Louis. "We've gone all year without a serious heat wave so we want people to be aware of what to do to keep themselves safe."

The National Weather Service predicted highs of 101, 101 and 100 over the next three days in St. Louis. Friday's high is expected to dip below triple digits, but barely -- 99 degrees. And the weekend doesn't get any better -- Sunday's projected high is 102.

Similar weather is expected around the state, though the northern section could see clouds and spot storms that may cool things down slightly -- into the mid-90s, Miller said.

The hot August comes after a relatively cool July. The 100-degree readings would be the first in St. Louis this year after six triple-digit readings in 2006.

The Weather Service issued excessive heat warnings in several Missouri counties. In St. Louis and St. Louis County, officials opened more than 80 cooling centers, including some offering transportation to the sites.

Authorities were particularly concerned about the elderly, children, and those with chronic and life-threatening illnesses.

The elderly are more vulnerable because they sweat less, are more likely to be on medications impairing the body's response to heat, and some on fixed incomes are hesitant to turn up the air conditioner for fear of the cost.

"If the next few days stay as hot and dry as predicted, we will see an escalating number of heat-related illnesses," said Dr. Joseph Primrose, an emergency medicine physician at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis.

So far this year, Missouri has reported no heat-related deaths and 377 illnesses due to the heat. Twenty-five Missourians died from the heat last year, 14 of them age 65 or older.

Experts cautioned against outdoor work -- and if you have to be out, stay in the shade and get plenty of non-caffeinated, nonalcoholic fluids.

Around St. Louis, precautions in the heat were evident. Firefighters took frequent breaks and drank a lot of water as they battled a blaze at a vacant house. The St. Louis Rams moved training camp workouts indoors.

The Humane Society of Missouri warned that pets can be quickly overcome by the heat, especially if they're left in parked cars, even with the windows partially open. Be sure outdoor pets have plenty of fresh, clean water and that the water bowl is secured so it won't tip or spill. Limit exercise for pets.

In fact, taking it easy is a good plan for humans to survive the heat wave, too, Miller said.

"It's just that time of year," he said.

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On the Net:

National Weather Service: http://forecast.weather.gov.

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services: www.dhss.mo.gov.

Humane Society of Missouri: www.hsmo.org.