Dangerous Heat Wave Grips Kansas as Heat Index Tops 115
A prolonged stretch of extreme heat pushed heat index values well above 110 degrees across Kansas in late July, prompting advisories and warnings from the National Weather Service.
A dangerous heat wave settled over Kansas in the final week of July, with the National Weather Service issuing heat advisories and warnings across much of the state as heat index values climbed well past 110 degrees.
According to the National Weather Service, the combination of high temperatures and humidity pushed the heat index as high as 115 in Wichita, while readings in the Topeka area approached even higher figures during the peak of the event. Forecasters warned that heat index values between 108 and 114 were possible across eastern Kansas on the hottest afternoons.
Officials urged residents to limit time outdoors during the afternoon, stay hydrated, check on elderly neighbors, and never leave children or pets in parked vehicles. Cooling centers opened in several communities, and utilities reminded customers of assistance programs to help keep the power on.
The episode was part of a broader stretch of oppressive summer heat across the central United States, and forecasters cautioned that additional rounds of dangerous heat remained possible before the season ended.
