Heat warning issued for Springfield through Thursday

Good news: Springfield weather will be reliable for the next few days. Bad news: It will be reliably warm.

The Springfield metro area will see warmer temperatures Thursday afternoon, according to an update from the National Weather Service’s Springfield office. A heat advisory has been issued from 1 p.m. Monday, July 29, through 7 p.m. Thursday, August 1.

High pressure above our heads is the cause of the increased temperatures, said meteorologist Angelica Soria. The combination of high temperatures and high humidity increases the risk of heat-related illnesses.

“Normally it’s quite warm at this time of year,” Soria said. “But because it’s been quite cool the last few weeks, it’s definitely going to feel extra warm. With heat indices of 100 to 110 degrees, we’ve issued the advice to protect those who are most vulnerable.”

According to information from the Springfield-Greene County Park Board, this means emergency cooling centers will open in several locations across Greene County.

According to Soria, an increase in the alert for extreme heat is possible, based on assessments of climate forecasts.

Nights won’t bring much relief either, Soria said, with nighttime temperatures expected to remain in the 70s.

Southwest Missouri joins many other parts of Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi, all of which are under some sort of heat warning. Forecasters are hoping that pattern changes this weekend, with temperatures in the low 90s.

High temperatures and relative humidity can cause illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. People should drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned rooms and stay out of the sun as much as possible.

Symptoms of heat-related illness include dizziness, thirst, excessive sweating, nausea, and weakness. Heat exhaustion can quickly progress to heat stroke, which can lead to permanent disability or death if left untreated.

Beat the heat

Basic tips from the Springfield-Greene County Health Department (More information here.)

Drink plenty of water, even if you are not thirsty; avoid drinks containing alcohol or caffeine. Also avoid very cold drinks, as these can cause stomach cramps.
Avoid strenuous work or outdoor exercise during the hottest part of the day. If this is not practical, take frequent breaks and remember to drink plenty of water.
Stay in an air-conditioned space. If your home does not have air conditioning, visit a shopping mall, public library, community center, cooling center, or other air-conditioned space.
Wear light, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
Protect yourself from the sun with a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher (the most effective products will say “broad spectrum” or “UVA/UVB protection” on their labels).
Never leave anyone unattended in a locked, parked vehicle.

Joe Hadsall

Joe Hadsall is the education reporter for the Springfield Daily Citizen. Hadsall has more than two decades of experience reporting in the Ozarks with the Joplin Globe, Christian County Headliner News and 417 Magazine. Contact him at (417) 837-3671 or [email protected]. More from Joe Hadsall