Record

Scorching temperatures have been sweeping through southwest Missouri and surrounding areas as fall approaches; what damage has been done and what can be done to beat the heat?

According to a tweet from the National Weather Service, more than 20% of the U.S. population was under an excessive heat warning alone on Aug. 23 – nearly 69 million Americans. In another tweet, the Topeka division of the NWS reported the heat index peaked at an unprecedented 134 degrees Fahrenheit in Lawrence, Kansas on Aug. 20.

In southwest Missouri, an excessive heat warning was issued on Aug. 19 and was reissued daily, and ended on Aug. 26.

For nearly a week, daytime temperatures in the Springfield area hovered between 90 and 105 F, with high humidity and dew points creating a wall of thick air. Heat index values soared over 100 F daily. Even at night, temperatures rarely dropped below 70 F, providing little relief from the heat.

According to a representative from Mercy Hospital, over 20 patients were treated for heat-related emergencies in the Springfield ER between Aug. 19 to Aug. 25 – only three patients were treated for similar symptoms during the same period last year.

Local infrastructure has also suffered during the increased heat. Springfield City Utilities reported a new peak electric demand for 2023 on Aug. 21 due to the heat.

According to the National Center for Environmental Health, the best ways to avoid heat exhaustion, heat stroke and other heat-related ailments include limiting time outside, drinking more water, wearing light-colored or loose-fitting clothing and wearing sunscreen. Additionally, the NCEH advises to always reach out to friends, neighbors and colleagues to check on them during heat waves, and to never leave pets or children in vehicles alone without air conditioning.

If air conditioning is not accessible, keep window blinds and curtains closed during daytime hours. Use box fans and ceiling fans within a space to move air – but do not place them directly inside window frames, as this can be a significant fire hazard. Use water on bandanas or other clothing placed on the body to assist with cooling. The Springfield-Greene County Park Board also offers family centers as heat shelters during daytime hours to unhoused populations or other individuals that need an air-conditioned space.

Follow Allie Free on Twitter at @free_allie.

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