The National Weather Service in St. Louis has issued an Extreme Heat Warning until 7 PM CDT this evening for parts of central and southwest Illinois and Missouri, including the greater St. Louis metropolitan area. With heat index values soaring up to 108 degrees, the area is steeped in dangerously hot conditions that pose a serious health risk for residents without access to cooling systems.
The recommended measures are straightforward, keep hydrated, find relief in the shelter of air-conditioned environments, and limit exposure to direct sunlight during the peak heat of the day. Spotter activation is not anticipated at the moment, as the primary concerns center around heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Residents are encouraged to "call 9 1 1" in cases where heat stroke is suspected, the Extreme Heat Warning by the NWS advises.
Additional weather disturbances include a possibility of thunderstorms which, may become severe this afternoon and into the evening. The risks accompanying these storms are not solely lightning and thunder, but damaging winds, and the likelihood of localized flash flooding. Conditions today will transition from mostly sunny skies and a high of 96 degrees to a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms tonight; the same weather pattern follows into Thursday, according to the NWS forecast.
The Hazardous Weather Outlook extends beyond oppressive heat, with ongoing threats such as thunderstorms through Thursday night and the potential for more on both Monday and Tuesday. Residents can seek information on cooling centers or energy assistance by calling the United Way of Greater Saint Louis or Cool Down Saint Louis. The NWS reminds that during "extreme heat and high humidity events," related illnesses increase significantly.
