Heat advisory across the area this week

Herald-Tribune

Skyrocketing temperatures across the area are posing a real danger of heat-related illness.

With a warm front pushing up from the south, temperatures are expected to climb into the high to low 100s by Sunday, increasing the chance of heat related illness.

The National Weather Service predicts heat indexes will make the air feel more than 100 degrees for multiple days stretching into the middle of next week. The heat index gives an accurate measure of how hot it feels when relative humidity is added to the actual air temperature.

Scorching afternoon temperatures play a part but are not the sole contributor to the majority of heat related illnesses or fatalities. The temperatures during the nighttime hours also play a role, the weather service said. When the human body is subjected to excessive heat during the day, cooler nighttime temperatures give the body a chance to cool itself. But when lows only dip into the mid 70s, which the NWS is predicting, the body does not have a chance to naturally cool itself and heat stroke sets in. Prolonged exposure to sustained high temperatures throughout several days fuels the problem.

In a normal year, about 175 Americans succumb to summer heat. From 1936 to 1975, nearly 20,000 persons were killed in the U.S. by the affects of heat, according to NWS statistics.

The NWS recommends the following tips to stay safe during hot days:

* Invite someone in. If you know of a neighbor or friend who does not have air conditioning, invite them over to sit a while. Just a few hours in air conditioning may make the difference between life and death.

* Slow down. Strenuous activities should be reduced, eliminated or rescheduled to cooler times of the day.

* Dress for summer. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing reflects heat and sunlight, helping maintain normal temperatures.

* Drink water. Drink plenty of water even if you don't feel thirsty. Alcohol increases dehydration.

* Don't get too much sun. Sunburn makes the job of heat dissipation that much more difficult.

Local authorities also urge residents to check on elderly neighbors and relatives, and remind citizens that the very old and the very young are often the most susceptible to heat-related illness.

In central Kansas, temperatures are predicted to top 100 degrees through early next week. Heat indexes will make the air feel over 115 degrees. In Missouri, the forecast is similarly harsh in terms of heat. Sunday and Monday, temperatures are expected to reach 99, with an estimated temperature of 101 on Tuesday and 99 again on Wednesday.