Yes, the extreme heat is breaking records in Kansas. Here’s how hot it got this weekend
It was a scorching hot weekend in Wichita, and forecasters don’t expect it to get much cooler this week.
Saturday the Wichita area saw a high of 111 degrees Fahrenheit, breaking previous Aug. 19 record high of 105 set in 1936 and 2011, according to the National Weather Service.
Salina reached a blistering 113 degrees, breaking its 1936 record of 111 degrees. Russell also broke its record, reaching 106 degrees, beating out its 1962 record for Aug. 19 of 103 degrees.
The high recorded Sunday in Wichita was 108 degrees, breaking the previous record high of 106 degrees for Aug. 20 set in 1896 and 2001. Chanute also broke its record Sunday, hitting 105 compared to the previous record of 103 set in 1962.
Russell, at 104 degrees, and Salina, at 106 degrees, tied with their previous daily records, set in 1952 and 2003.
Wichita is expected to break another record Monday, with an anticipated high of 106 degrees, NWS forecaster Kelly Butler told The Eagle Monday morning.
The weather service doesn’t anticipate relief this week, with a forecast high of 104 degrees Tuesday and a low of 77. Wednesday has a high of 101 and a low of 77, while Thursday continues on the same pattern, a high of 100 and a low of 76.
Friday is expected to reach 101 degrees, and Saturday the area could return to double digits, with a high of 94.
How to stay cool in extreme heat
It’s important to stay inside during dangerously high temperatures, but if you have to be outside, make sure to stay hydrated and take breaks often. Exposure to extreme heat for long periods of time can lead to heat-related illnesses.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include thirst, dizziness, heavy sweating, weakness and nausea. If you or someone you know could be experiencing heat exhaustion, the Mayo Clinic recommends moving to a cool place and drinking lots of cool liquids.
Taking a cold shower or bath, or putting cool, wet towels on your skin could also help the exhaustion, the clinic says.
The symptoms of heat stroke, meanwhile include confusion, dizziness and unconsciousness, according to the NWS. If you are experiencing a heat stroke, contact 911 immediately.
Treatment for heatstroke includes immersing into cold water, evaporation cooling techniques, packing with ice and cooling blankets and various medication administered by a health care provider.
