Hot, sticky weather arrives just in time for holiday weekend

A stretch of hot, humid weather is arriving in Missouri at just the wrong time, as Fourth of July events draw people outdoors.

The National Weather Service on Wednesday predicted high temperatures well into the 90s for the period of Thursday through Monday -- Independence Day. Combined with high humidity, it will feel like 105 to 110 degrees in much of the state.

The forecast for Cape Girardeau includes highs of 93 to 97 degrees Friday through Monday.

Steamy weather in July in Missouri should come as no surprise. Still, officials are urging caution. The weather service has issued an excessive heat watch for much of the state.

That will make for sweaty times at events in Cape Girardeau and Jackson this weekend, although local organizers say there will be ways for people to stay cool. Vendors will have water on hand at the four-day Fourth of July celebration at Arena Park that starts Friday and at the one-day festival Monday at Jackson City Park. Both events are expected to draw hundreds.

Common sense goes a long way, said Jackson organizer Shane Anderson.

"We've never had heat-related troubles in years past," Anderson said. "We have a very shaded park and a pavilion for people to hang out. Obviously, water is the No. 1 thing. Most people know how to take care of themselves."

The Cape Girardeau festival will include the air-conditioned Arena Building, which will be open for people to go in and cool off, said Rodger Brown, commander of USA Veterans, which organizes the event. Most events take place during the evening. The entirety of the first day's events, poker and pool tournaments, take place inside the Arena Building, he said. A washers tournament will take place Saturday and Sunday outdoors beginning at 9 a.m.

"But other than that, it all takes place pretty much later in the day," Brown said. "I don't really see it as a big problem. They can get water; soft drinks, beer and mixed drinks are going to be available. I think it will turn out all right."

The worst of the heat appears headed for western, central and southern Missouri, with Friday shaping up as the hottest day of the year so far.

Kansas City is expected to see highs of 99 on Thursday, 96 on Friday and in the mid-90s through the weekend. Jefferson City is also expected to get to 99 degrees Friday. Springfield could see 97 degrees Friday with a drop of just a few degrees into next week. Temperatures cool into the 80s or low 90s starting Tuesday.

Staff writer Scott Moyers contributed to this report.

Pertinent address:

410 Kiwanis Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO

Jackson City Park, Jackson, MO