High temperature hits 103 in Cape Girardeau

Cape Girardeau's high temperature soared over the century mark on Thursday, hitting 103 degrees at the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport at 3:15 p.m.

The temperature broke the record of 102 degrees for June 28, set in 1969, according to the website Weather Underground of 102 degrees. The National Weather Service in Paducah, Ky., confirmed the high of 103 degrees, but the organization doesn't keep its own official records for Cape Girardeau.

According to records kept by former Southeast Missouri State University professor Dr. Al Robertson, the record for June 28 was 103 degrees, set in 1952.

On Friday morning the National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning through 6 p.m. Monday. Temperatures are expected to remain in the triple digits throughout the week and into next week. As of Thursday afternoon, today was the hottest day in the forecast, with an expected high of 105.

Those seeking relief the rest of the week can go to the Osage Centre, 1625 N. Kingshighway in Cape Girardeau. The Southeast Missouri chapter of the American Red Cross is using it as a cooling center, according to a Red Cross news release.

The center will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. today, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and from noon to 9 p.m. Sunday. Hours will be from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, and 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, when it closes.

Spending just a few hours in air conditioning can make the heat more bearable and lower core body temperature.

Pertinent address:

1625 N. Kingshighway Cape Girardeau, MO