The areas affected by the warnings are located in the following states: Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, Mississippi and Tennessee.
Temperatures in some of these areas are expected to reach 105 degrees Fahrenheit and over.
Wednesday, July 6, Weather Forecast
The National Weather Service (NWS), warned of “dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 111” for portions of north Mississippi, western Tennessee and eastern Arkansas. The excessive heat warning is to remain in effect until 10 p.m. CT Thursday.
In northeast Louisiana, southeast Arkansas, and much of Mississippi the excessive heat warning is to take effect from 11:00 a.m. Wednesday to 8 p.m. CT Thursday.
In southwest Indiana, western Kentucky and southern Illinois, the NWS warns of “dangerously hot conditions with daily heat index values up to 114.” The excessive heat warning is to remain in place until 9 p.m. CT on Thursday, July 7. This also concerns southeast Missouri.
An excessive heat warning also concerns parts of Kansas until Thursday evening.
Several heat advisories have been issued for neighboring regions in Texas, Oklahoma, Alabama and Louisiana.
To find out more, you can visit the NWS website here.
What Is Excessive Heat Warning?
An excessive heat warning is a notice issued by the National Weather Service. According to weather.gov, this means “a period of excessive heat is possible within the next 3 to 5 days. A heat advisory or excessive heat warning may eventually be needed. Stay informed and be prepared by following the preparedness information on this website in the event excessive heat occurs.”
How to Stay Safe in the Heat?
As the temperatures are expected to reach quite high levels, this can present risk of illness for certain people, such as heat stroke. According to the NWS, these are the following precautions you can take throughout excessive hot weather:
“Drink plenty of fluidsStay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. "
