‘Worst is yet to come’: Heat wave bringing dangerous conditions to metro-east
The National Weather Service is warning the metro-east of a coming heat wave with “dangerously hot conditions” into next week, when afternoon heat index values will be up to 110 degrees for several consecutive days.
The agency’s St. Louis office issued an extreme heat warning for St. Clair, Madison, Monroe and Randolph counties starting on Saturday, when the high temperature was 94 and the heat index value was 105.
“Today is just the beginning of this heat, though, as the worst of it is yet to come,” the National Weather Service stated in the area forecast discussion published on its website.
The temperature and heat index value are forecast to climb Sunday to 97 and 113, respectively.
The extreme heat warning remains in effect until at least Thursday, when the high temperature is expected to reach 98. Heat index values weren’t immediately available Saturday for later in the week.
The conditions, including high humidity, could cause heat-related illnesses, according to the warning.
“The long duration of this event is likely to worsen heat-related impacts,” the National Weather Service stated.
The agency recommended taking precautions, such as drinking fluids and staying in air conditioning and out of the sun. It also advised checking on relatives and neighbors.
The St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency stated in a public message Friday that people can call United Way at 2-1-1 to get information about cooling center availability.
Cooling shelters are available in the city of Belleville at these locations and times, according to the Belleville Fire Department:
9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at Belleville Public Library West Branch, 3414 W. Main St. (618-233-4366)
8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon-8 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday at Programs and Services for Older Persons, 201 N. Church St. (618-234-4410)
9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday at The Salvation Army, 20 Glory Place (618-235-7378)
This story was originally published July 19, 2025 at 1:27 PM.