The Springfield metro area will experience high heat throughout Tuesday evening, according to the National Weather Service.
The Springfield NWS office issued a heat advisory that extends until 8 p.m. Tuesday, with heat index values up to 108 degrees are anticipated. The advisory encompasses a large area of southern Missouri and southeast Kansas.
High temperatures and related humidity can cause illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, according to the National Weather Service. People should drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned rooms and stay out of the sun as much as possible.
The advisory means that several locations across Greene County have opened up emergency cooling centers, according to information from the Springfield-Greene County Park Board. The Park Board also announced that some swimming pools will have extended hours of operation because of the advisory:
- Silver Springs Pool, located at 1100 N. Hampton Ave., will be open until 8 p.m. on Monday, June 24.
- Westport Pool, located at 3125 W. Lincoln St., will be open until 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 25.
People are also welcome to cool themselves at the Ozarks Stream and Fountain at Jordan Valley Park, located at 635 E. Trafficway St., from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
The lobbies of each of the Springfield-Greene County Park Board’s family centers and Jordan Valley Ice Park are also available as cooling centers throughout the heat advisory.
Symptoms of heat-related illnesses include dizziness, thirst, excessive sweating, nausea and weakness. Heat exhaustion can quickly lead to heat stroke, which can cause permanent disability or death if not treated.
Beat the heat
Basic tips from the Springfield-Greene County Health Department (more information can be found here.)
- Drink plenty of water, even if you do not feel thirsty; avoid drinks that contain alcohol or caffeine. Also, avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps.
- Avoid strenuous work or exercise outside during the hottest part of the day. If that is not practical, take frequent breaks and remember to drink plenty of water.
- Stay in an air-conditioned facility; if your home is not air conditioned, visit a shopping center, public library, community center, cooling center or other air-conditioned facility.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
- Protect yourself from the sun with a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher (the most effective products say “broad spectrum” or “UVA/UVB protection” on their labels).
- Never leave anyone unattended in a closed, parked vehicle.
