A heat wave will hit the St. Louis region this weekend and last for multiple days.
The National Weather Service’s St. Louis office has issued an Extreme Heat Warning, saying the greater St. Louis region is expected to see heat index values of up to 108 degrees from midday Saturday until the end of the day Tuesday.
Heat is the deadliest weather-related event in the U.S., killing more people than floods, tornadoes and hurricanes according to the National Weather Service. Heat deaths are also likely undercounted, according to researchers, because heat often exacerbates underlying health issues.
To stay safe, people should drink lots of water, wear light, loose clothing and spend at least part of the day in air conditioning, according to the St. Louis Department of Health. Anyone seriously sick because of the heat should call 9-1-1.
“We urge residents to stay vigilant in the coming days,” St. Louis Commissioner of Health Victoria Anwuri said in a statement. “Keep your air conditioning on, monitor weather reports, and check on those at risk for heat-related illnesses, including the elderly, young children, and individuals on medications like beta blockers or diuretics.”
To find a cooling center in St. Louis, people can call the United Way by dialing 2-1-1.
There will also be designated cooling centers for tornado victims. People affected by the tornado can go to American Red Cross shelters to cool off during the day Saturday through Tuesday. Those shelters are Urban League Peter Bunce Campus, Crossroads College Preparatory School, and Peter & Paul Community Services.
St. Louis organizations also offer air conditioning and utility assistance for vulnerable people, including Energy Care and Cool Down St. Louis.
These extreme temperatures have also triggered Missouri’s Hot Weather Law, which means natural gas and electric utilities are not allowed to disconnect customers for nonpayment. The rule is in effect if in the next 24 hours, temperatures are forecast to be above 95 degrees or the heat index is forecast to be above 105 degrees. On top of that, Ameren also currently has a pause in disconnections for areas affected by the tornado.
Scientists say extreme heat is closely tied to climate change in the Midwest. The St. Louis region is expected to see more days over 95 degrees by the middle of the century because of climate change, according to the National Climate Assessment.
This story has been updated to include new forecast information.
