The heat is on; Temperatures expected to stay high

Joplin Regional Airport recorded a 25-year heat record Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.

The NWS airport station recorded a high temperature of 106 degrees Sunday afternoon, surpassing the previous daily record of 104 set in 1980. Not only was the daily record broken, but the last time the mercury hit that level was on July 30, 1986, when temperatures hit 107 degrees.

While local temperatures were not available due to lightning striking equipment here last week, there is no question that it was hot. One bank marquee had it at 109 degrees about 3 p.m. Sunday.

Bourbon County Emergency Manager Keith Jeffers said he does not know exactly what it is causing the high temperatures, however, he feels it could be a product of the La Nina, a changing of the jet streams and the movement of warm water further south.

The NWS says heat is the No. 1 weather-related killer in the United States, claiming an average of 162 lives between 200 and 2009. For those local residents that don't have an air conditioner or have a broken unit, it is important to seek cool areas.

Bourbon County American Red Cross Executive Director Whendi Martin said residents can go to Buck Run Community Center, the Bourbon County Senior Citizens Center or the Fort Scott Public Library to take a break from the heat.

Jeffers said people need to be cautious when working outside and advises that working in the heat of the day should be avoided if possible. But if it cannot be avoided, he advises workers to take frequent breaks and to drink plenty of water.

"Don't drink carbonated beverages, don't drink alcohol. That will actually dehydrate (you) and make (you) sicker," he said.

The National Weather Service website shows Fort Scott will remain hot over the next several days, but nothing in the 100-degree range is forecast. Tuesday, temperatures will hit 99 degrees, with a low of 73; 93 on Wednesday with a low of 72; 95 on Thursday with a low of 76; and 97 on Friday with a low of 76. A 20 percent chance of thunderstorms is predicted for Tuesday with a 40 percent chance Tuesday night and a 50 percent chance on Wednesday. The rest of the week is projected to be clear and hot, the site shows.

For more information on the dangers of excessive heat, visit the National Weather Service Springfield Office's website at www.weather.gov/sgf.