New heat advisory issued today

The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory effective until 9 p.m. this evening for the region as temperatures at the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport reached 100 degrees for the third day in a week.

The heat index stood at 109 degrees shortly after 2 p.m. Today is the 21st day of a heat wave that began July 26, when the high temperature reached 90 degrees.

Temperatures are expeted to reach 100 degrees again Thursday, but afterwards the forecast calls for a slight moderation in daytime highs.

Forecasts from the National Weather Service show a potential for moderating temperatures later this week, with a weak front coming through late Thursday afternoon or early Thursday evening.

Today's temperatures, while higher than those which set records for the date on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, are below the record for the date of 104 degrees set in 1988, when the area experienced a string of five straight record-setting highs of 98 degrees or hotter.

For updates, check back at www.semissourian.com or read Thursday's Southeast Missourian.