Brian Neben, NRG Media
KEARNEY — The hottest weekend of the year will be on its way as the Heat Index is expected to climb into the high 90s and 100s from Saturday through Tuesday.
An upper-level ridge of high pressure moves into the southern Plains on Friday and will drive temperatures up into the 90s to end the work week.
The true heat will kick in this weekend as the high-pressure ridge lifts north right over Kansas.
“This will be the hottest weekend of the year to date as our late July heat wave was during the work week. We are currently forecasting highs this weekend around or just over 100 (98 to 105) with heat index values even a bit warmer than that,” according to the National Weather Service – Hastings.
The upper-level ridge will remain right over the central Plains, allowing for continued dry weather and extreme heat into next week.
Heat index values in the Tri-Cities area will be around 93 degrees on Friday, 101 on Saturday, 97 on Sunday, 95 on Monday and around the high 90s on Tuesday.
“High heat and somewhat-high humidity may cause heat related illnesses to occur. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside,” NWS Hastings stated.
The heat index, also known as the apparent temperature, is what the temperature feels like to the human body when relative humidity is combined with the air temperature.
“When the body gets too hot, it begins to perspire or sweat to cool itself off. If the perspiration is not able to evaporate, the body cannot regulate its temperature. Evaporation is a cooling process,” according to the NWS.
When the heat index is between 90 and 103, residents are encouraged to show extreme caution, as heat stroke, heat cramps or heat exhaustion are possible with prolonged exposure or physical activity.
