KANSAS
— A massive wave of heat is smothering much of the state this week, with the
heat index reaching 107°F
in cities including Topeka and Wichita. The
Extreme Heat Warning
is expected to remain in place through at least
7 p.m. Wednesday
, with no major relief in sight.
Over 50 Counties Impacted by Oppressive Conditions
The
National Weather Service offices in Topeka and Wichita
have issued an alert covering more than 50 counties — stretching from
Manhattan and Lawrence
to
Salina, Wichita, Coffeyville
, and beyond.
Actual temperatures
are hovering close to 100°F, but when combined with
high humidity
, the heat index — a measure of how hot it feels — has soared into
dangerously oppressive territory
, especially in low-lying urban areas.
Heat-Related Health Risks on the Rise
Residents of
Emporia, Hutchinson, and El Dorado
are also being warned of increased risk of
heat exhaustion
and
heat stroke
— both of which can strike quickly without warning. Health officials urge the public to:
-
Avoid strenuous outdoor activity
during peak afternoon hours -
Drink water frequently
even if not thirsty -
Check on elderly neighbors and young children
-
Never leave people or pets in parked vehicles
The combination of sustained daytime highs and warm overnight lows is making it especially hard for the body to cool down.
Travelers Urged to Prepare on I-70 and I-35
Major transportation corridors like
Interstates 70 and 35
remain open, but
state emergency officials
are warning drivers to stay hydrated and be alert. Vehicle cabins can become
lethal in minutes
, especially when parked under direct sun.
Anyone traveling long distances is encouraged to pack extra water and avoid delays that would strand them without shade or air conditioning.
More Heat Possible Into Next Week
While the advisory officially runs through
Wednesday evening
, forecasters warn that
extreme heat could linger beyond midweek
if current atmospheric patterns hold. Additional advisories may follow depending on how quickly conditions evolve.
Are you in Kansas and experiencing the heat firsthand? What precautions are you taking this week? Share your thoughts in the comments below on
SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com
.
