22 days and counting - that is the number of days, Wichita has reached 100+ degrees in 2011. It appears Wichita (and the rest of Kansas) is on track for a record setting summer, as we are half way through July and headed into the hottest month of the year - August! The relentless heat wave is being caused by both atmospheric and surface conditions. The ground is very dry due to drought conditions stretching from Kansas southward into Texas. The dry ground and a blocking ridge of high pressure in the upper atmosphere (centered over the Plains); means prolonged, excessive heat for Kansas.
Another scorcher today. An Excessive Heat Warning remains in effect until 7 p.m. Friday for much of central and eastern Kansas. Sunny to mostly sunny skies and a warm start to the morning, will push highs into the triple digits for the state. Humidity will be highest in the east, where the heat index will reach at least 113.
There is no relief in sight as triple digit heat will continue over then next 7 to 10 days. During this heat wave, continue to exercise caution when spending long periods of time outdoors and make sure to stay hydrated to reduce the chances of heat related illness.
___________________
Wichita Area Forecast:
** Excessive Heat Warning until 7 p.m. Friday **
Today: Sunny to mostly sunny, hot and humid. Wind: SE 10-20. High: 105. (Heat Index: 112)
Tonight: Clear and muggy. Wind: SE 5-10. Low: 79.
Tomorrow: Sunny to mostly sunny, hot and humid. Wind: SE 10-20. High: 105. (Heat Index: 112)
Tomorrow Night: Clear and muggy. Wind: SE 5-10. Low: 80.
Tue: High: 105 Sunny.
Wed: High: 106 Low: 79 Sunny.
Thu: High: 108 Low: 81 Sunny and breezy.
Fri: High: 107 Low: 80 Mostly sunny and breezy.
Sat: High: 104 Low: 80 Mostly sunny.
Sun: High: 106 Low: 81 Mostly sunny to partly cloudy.
