Heat wave will hang around: Temps in the 90s, heat indices in the 100s

The heat and humidity aren't going anywhere for a while.

Meteorologists expect temperatures to remain in the 90s and heat indices to reach as high as 109 through the week, according to Butch Dye, of the National Weather Service.

The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning effective until 7 p.m. Wednesday as a ridge of high pressure moves across the St. Louis metropolitan area.

Weather Central Inc. predicts the high to hit 97 today for the metro-east, 96 on Wednesday and 94 on Thursday.

Skies are expected to be mostly clear and sunny throughout the week with a few clouds Thursday evening. Dye said while there is no significant chance of rain in the forecast, there are always chances for scattered showers to pop up, as they did in the Belleville area for a brief period Monday afternoon. St. Clair County had about 2,200 power outages and Monroe County had more than 500, according to Ameren. Approximately 400 customers in the Signal Hill area of Belleville were affected.

The National Weather Service advises people to take precautionary action to avoid contracting heat-related illnesses by drinking plenty of water and making sure air conditioners work, or by keeping homes ventilated with fans and spending time in an air-conditioned environment if your home does not have air conditioning.

The service also suggests frequently checking on neighbors and relatives who are elderly, chronically ill, or very young, as they are considered the most at risk of suffering from heat-related illnesses.

Cooling centers located throughout East St. Louis will be open throughout the summer. Locations include the Clyde Jordan Senior Citizens Center, 6755 State St.; Lessie Bates Davis Neighborhood House, 1200 N. 13th St.; Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 2406 McCasland Ave.; Holy Angel Shelter, 1410 N. 37th St.; Paulyn House, 1274 N. 37th St.; and Salvation Army, 616 N. 16th St. For more information about the cooling centers, call 482-6601.