Dangerous heat expected in region

Dangerous heat is expected through Sunday in the region.

On Monday afternoon, the National Weather Service office in Paducah issued an excessive heat watch for Southern Illinois, Southeast Missouri and Western Kentucky.

The weather service stated on its website that “dangerous heat” was expected to begin Wednesday. Excessive heat is expected to continue through Sunday evening.

“A large upper level high will produce a dome of heat and humidity across the region from Wednesday through Sunday,” the weather service stated Monday afternoon.

“The combination of the heat and humidity will produce maximum heat index values each afternoon around 105 degrees in many areas. High temperatures will be in the mid 90s, and in a few places the upper 90s for the duration.”

The weather service warned that the “combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will lead to an increased risk of heat related stress and illness.

“The very young, the elderly, those without air conditioning and those participating in strenuous outdoor activities will be the most susceptible.

“Also, car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.”

The weather service further advised that the “combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a dangerous situation in which heat illnesses are possible.

During the hot weather, area residents are advised to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun and check up on relatives and neighbors.