Extreme Heat, Humidity Hit Much of U.S.
Pastor Dale Morgan
Extreme Heat, Humidity Hit Much of U.S.*
Tuesday August 7, 2007 4:46 PM
By JIM SALTER
Associated Press Writer
ST. LOUIS (AP) - Hot, humid air is blanketing wide areas of the nation
this week, and Missouri health experts have been urging people to stay
in air-conditioned buildings and take it easy.
Temperatures in much of Missouri are expected to reach well into the
upper 90s - and in many cases above 100 degrees - through much of this
week. The heat index, calculated from a combination of temperature and
humidity, is predicted to climb above 105.
Highs in the 90s were expected from the western Plains to the East Coast.
``People don't realize it but heat is generally the number-one killer''
among weather-related causes, said Ben Miller, a meteorologist for the
National Weather Service office in the St. Louis area. ``We've gone all
year without a serious heat wave so we want people to be aware of what
to do to keep themselves safe.''
``It's just that time of year,'' he said.
The weather forced the St. Louis Rams inside for daytime workouts this week.
``You don't want anybody overheating and passing out,'' rookie defensive
tackle Keith Jackson said.
The Arkansas Health Department said Monday it had recorded the state's
second heat-related death of the year. The agency did not say when the
death occurred, identifying the victim only as an elderly person. The
state's first heat death of the year came last month.
Last summer, Arkansas had seven heat-related deaths, and in 2005 the
toll was 11.
Authorities in parts of Tennessee issued warnings over the weekend and
Monday to those with heart or lung disease, older adults and children to
avoid prolonged exertion outdoors.
On the East Coast, Tuesday's horse races were canceled at Delaware Park
because the temperature was expected to hit the 90s with a heat index
above 100, a threat to horses and jockeys, track officials said.
``Safety is far more important than monetary gains that are always
secondary,'' said John F. Wayne, Delaware's thoroughbred racing
administrator.