Dangerous temperatures arrive full force in the metro-east. When can we expect relief?

Summer doesn’t officially arrive until June 21, but you might not know it from the current conditions.

The National Weather Service in St. Louis issued an excessive heat warning for the metro-east that began at 11 a.m. Monday and continues through 8 p.m. Wednesday.

Monday’s projected high is 99 degrees, which would exceed the current record for this area set in 1952. As of noon, temperatures already had soared into the 90s. Also, Tuesday’s projected high of 100 would eclipse the present record of 97 degrees for June 14.

“I’m not sure if we’ll break the records, but the combination of the heat and humidity will make it pretty oppressive for people,” Matt Beitscher, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service of St. Louis, said Monday. “It’s quite rough out there.”

Beitscher explained an excessive heat warning is issued if the NWS sees heat index values exceeding 110 degrees Fahrenheit for two or more consecutive days.

“And that’s what we’re forecasting in the next couple days,” he said. “Across the country excessive heat warnings vary because peoples’ susceptibility to heat is different. For example, 105 degrees in Minnesota is different than 105 degrees in Texas, if that makes sense.”

Beitscher also noted those temperature projections are taken in the shade — not the sun — and that once conditions reach this point, it’s not just the most vulnerable at risk.

“Heat index takes into account humidity and how the body reacts and how the body may feel when exposed to that heat,” he said. “And those values and temperatures are calculated and taken in the shade. When you factor in the sun, the temperature and conditions are much, much worse.

“Basically, an excessive heat warning is more than for people predisposed from the heat, such as the elderly. The majority of people should not be outside if they do not have to. The conditions are very dangerous, especially if you are not very well hydrated or if you are out there for extended periods of time.”

Heat indices are expected to remain around 110 degrees the next couple days, but Beitscher said falling humidity beginning on Thursday will bring them back into the mid-90s through the weekend.

“On Thursday, it will get ‘cooler’ with a heat index around 100. That’s still quite warm,” he said. “Friday and into the weekend we will get a little relief from the heat and humidity. Friday’s temperatures will still be in the low 90s but the humidity will be quite a bit lower than it is now.

“We still stay warm ... but will have much less impact on people in conjunction with the heat over the weekend than during the week. However, it doesn’t appear we’ll get any significantly cooler weather coming as we get closer and closer to summer.”

The projected highs the next several days are: Tuesday, 100 degrees; Wednesday, 98 degrees; Thursday, 96 degrees; Friday, 91 degrees; Saturday, 91 degrees; and Sunday, 93 degrees.

Safety tips, signs of heat stroke

With these extreme conditions, Beitscher offered several safety tips.

“Let’s start with, if you don’t have to be outside, don’t go outside. Basically, don’t go out if you don’t have to,” he said. “However, if you do have to be outside, drink plenty of water, wear loose fitting clothing so your skin can breathe and stay in the shade as much as possible. The sun makes it much worse.”

Beitscher also recommended people be vigilant about possible heat stroke.

“If you experience any discomfort or headaches or weakness, that could be the onset of heat stroke. Immediately get out of sun and get inside into the cool air and under or in front of a fan,” he said.

Beitscher said to check on those more susceptible to heat-related illness as well. According to a Tweet the NWS issued Monday, the most susceptible individuals include the elderly, those who have difficulty breathing, those who have chronic illness, newborns, children and those who are pregnant.

Stern warning about children, pets

Finally, he adamantly warned people not to leave children or pets in the car.

“Never ever, ever, ever leave children or pets in a car that is locked with the windows not open for any period of time,” he said. “In just a couple minutes, the temperature can rise substantially and be fatal. Every single year we have to remind people of that.”

According to the National Safety Council, on average, 38 children under the age of 15 die each year from heatstroke after being left in a vehicle. Nearly every state has experienced at least one death since 1998. In both 2018 and 2019 a record number of 53 children died after being left in a hot vehicle, the website noted.

According to PETA’s website, 11 heat-related pet deaths occurred in 2022.

The National Weather Service recommends keeping plugged into the forecast as it develops at www.weather.gov. Their Facebook page is www.facebook.com/NWSStLouis.

This story was originally published June 13, 2022 at 2:34 PM.