The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for many counties in the KPR listening area. The advisory goes into effect at 1 pm and will remain in place until 8 pm for Anderson, Clay, Cloud, Coffey, Dickinson, Douglas, Franklin, Geary, Jackson, Jefferson, Lyon, Morris, Osage, Pottawatomie, Riley, Shawnee and Wabaunsee Counties. This includes the cities of Lawrence, Topeka, Manhattan, Junction City, Emporia and Abilene.
Afternoon heat indices are expected to reach 103 to 107 degrees. (Heat advisories are issued when high humidity and high temperatures combine to make the temperature feel as though it is 105 degrees or greater.) People in the areas covered by the advisory are cautioned to avoid prolonged work in the sun or in poorly-ventilated facilities. The National Weather Service urges everyone to drink lots of water whenever possible. Residents in the advisory areas should keep non-alcoholic beverages on hand, wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing, and try to stay in an air-conditioned environment. Try to reschedule strenuous outdoor activities for early morning or late evening. Check on elderly relatives and neighbors. Know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat stroke is a medical emergency; if a person is suspected of suffering from heat stroke, dial 911.
Pets are also vulnerable to heat stroke; make preparations and accommodations for them by providing plenty of water and shade.
An air quality alert has also been issued for Johnson, Leavenworth, and Wyandotte counties in Kansas and Clay, Jackson, and Platte counties in Missouri. Outdoor air quality index (AQI) values in excess of 100 are expected. Ozone will be the primary pollutant. People are urged to avoid activities that lead to ozone formation, including refueling of vehicles and using gasoline-powered lawn equipment. People especially sensitive to elevated levels of pollutants include the very young and those with pre-existing respiratory problems such as asthma or heart disease. More information about the risks attendant to air quality issues are available here.