Heat index may top 100 degrees today

With extreme humidity and temperatures topping out in the lower 90s, heat indexes could break 100 degrees in Southeast Missouri today, according to the National Weather Service.

In a special weather statement issued Wednesday afternoon, the weather service said heat indexes between 100 and 105 degrees were possible through about 8 p.m. At 1:52 p.m., the temperature at the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport was 88 degrees, with a heat index of 98. Temperatures usually peak later in the afternoon.

Thursday is expected to be mostly sunny and hotter, with a forecast high of 94 degrees at Cape Girardeau.