The National Weather Service has expanded a Heat Advisory for much of central, south-central and southeast Kansas, warning that dangerously hot and humid conditions are expected to persist through Thursday evening.
The advisory is in effect from 1 p.m. Sunday through 8 p.m. Thursday, with heat index values expected to reach up to 105 degrees across the region. The combination of high temperatures and humidity will increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, particularly for those spending extended periods outdoors or without access to air conditioning.
Counties included in the advisory stretch across much of the region, including Reno, McPherson, Harvey, Sedgwick, Rice, Stafford, Kingman, and Pratt Counties.
LINK: Local physician encourages heat awareness as temperatures rise
Communities affected include Hutchinson, McPherson, Newton, Wichita, Lyons, Sterling, Kingman, St. John, Stafford and Pratt.
Forecasters urge residents to take precautions during the prolonged period of extreme heat. Officials recommend drinking plenty of water, remaining in air-conditioned buildings whenever possible, limiting strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, and wearing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.
The National Weather Service also encourages residents to check on elderly relatives, neighbors and others who may be especially vulnerable to the heat. Children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles, where temperatures can rise to life-threatening levels within minutes.
With the multi-day heat event expected to continue through Thursday, residents are encouraged to monitor the latest forecasts and heat-related advisories as conditions evolve.
You can get the KSStorm.info 7-day forecast on our weather page.