Prepare Now: Missouri Braces for Dangerous Heat

There's a difference between the normal heat you expect during the summer months in Missouri and the type that can be life-threatening. A new advisory from the climate prediction center is warning Missouri that truly dangerous heat is only days away.

My wife the meteorologist alerted me to something the Iowa Storm Chasing Network had just shared today. It's a graphic from the Climate Prediction Center showing what Missouri will be facing starting in mid-June.

Since I never accept anything I see online (and especially on Facebook/Meta) as truth unless I can prove it, I went directly to the Climate Prediction Center website myself and confirmed that what the Iowa Storm Chasing Network shared was true. Missouri is now in the moderate risk for extreme heat starting June 15.

Note that when you look at their probability map, nearly all of Missouri looks to be burning hot in just over a week.

How can Missouri prepare for this incoming heat?

Ready.gov says you can cover your windows with covers or shades to reduce sunlight heating your home. They also warn to not rely on fans to keep you cool as they don't do much to reduce body temperature. If you must be outside, make sure you hydrate yourself as much as possible and never leave children or pets in vehicles alone. It's easy to underestimate how dangerous the heat that's now forecast for Missouri can be. Better safe than sorry.