As temperatures soar, 115 people seek medical care during McConnell air show
Update, 10:45 a.m. Sunday: Sunday’s air show is canceled, according to a McConnell news release. A storm with wind gusts in excess of 50 mph damaged services at McConnell, the release said.
Original story:
Over 100 people were given medical care at McConnell Air Force Base Saturday while attending an air show.
Most were treated for heat-related conditions. As of 5:50 p.m., 115 people had been given medical care and 17 had been taken to the hospital during the Frontiers in Flight air show, a news release from the base said.
Photos: See images from the Frontiers in Flight air show at McConnell AFB
Temperatures Saturday hit a high of 98 degrees about 4:57 p.m., with a heat index value of 108 degrees. A heat advisory warning is in effect for Wichita until 8 p.m. Sunday, the National Weather Service said.
At that heat index value, a person may experience heat exhaustion, sun stroke and muscle cramps during extended time outdoors, according to the National Weather Service.
Sunday’s temperature is forecast to be hotter: a high of 102 and a heat index value of 109.
The air show continues Sunday, and the base said it is taking measures to mitigate the high heat.
Visitors are allowed to bring their own water containers. The base will have refill stations and cooling stations.
“Additionally, a number of medical personnel from McConnell and volunteers from surrounding medical agencies were on site in first aid tents and around the airshow area,” the base said.
Looking ahead, Monday’s high is expected at 98 degrees, an NWS forecast shows.
This story was originally published August 24, 2024 at 7:30 PM.