For 16 counties in northeast, north-central, and east-central Kansas, including Shawnee County, the National Weather Service issued an extreme heat warning on July 18 that would last from noon on July 19 to 7 p.m. on July 23.
According to a weather service announcement on its Topeka office website, extended heat, with heat indices as high as 107, is predicted in the affected areas during that time.
“The warning could be extended through next week if the forecast plays out as expected,” the website stated.
On its website, the Topeka office of the meteorological service forecast that the capital city would see temperatures of 100 degrees or more for five days in a row, from July 20 to 24.
Which regions are covered by the warning?
Shawnee, Anderson, Clay, Coffey, Dickinson, Douglas, Franklin, Geary, Jefferson, Lyon, Morris, Osage, Ottawa, Pottawatomi, Riley, and Wabaunsee counties are all included in the warning.
Additionally, the meteorological service issued a severe heat watch for seven counties in north-central and northeast Kansas, which would extend from noon on July 19 to 7 p.m. on July 23. These counties were Washington, Brown, Cloud, Jackson, Marshall, Nemaha, and Republic.
The latter areas might be scorched by prolonged heat, with heat indices as high as 104, according to the weather service.
Topeka is expected to see prolonged heat
Temperatures in the capital city were predicted to peak at about 99 degrees on July 20, 100 degrees on July 21, 101 degrees on July 22, 23, and 24, and 102 degrees on July 25, according to the weather service’s Topeka office website.
On June 20 and July 16, Topeka recorded its maximum temperature of the year, which was 97 degrees.
Five days in a row with temperatures above 100 degrees would be the longest such stretch to hit the capital city since seven days in a row between August 19 and August 25, 2023, when temperatures hit the century mark.
On July 24, 1936, the highest temperature ever recorded in Topeka was 114 degrees.
Since 1887, the weather service has maintained records in Topeka.
The weather service advises citizens to exercise caution.
The weather agency advised locals to limit their exposure to intense outdoor activities to the early morning or evening and to dress in loose-fitting, light clothing.
“Do not leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles,” it said. “Car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.”
Additionally, forecasters advised anyone working outside to frequently take breaks in air-conditioned or shaded areas.
