Temperatures Hit Dangerous Levels in Parts of South, Midwest

Dangerous, potentially record-breaking heat will scorch portions of the Southwest and Plains through the weekend, including the Mesilla Valley.

Meteorologists are predicting heat indices for Wednesday to be in excess of 100 degrees in the Ozarks.

In Las Cruces, the mercury could reach 108 on Saturday and 104 on Sunday. There will be a light east southeast wind increasing to 5 to 10 miles per hour in the morning, the weather service said. The potential for a unsafe heat index will create some hazards, especially for folks who may work or spend plenty of time outside. “High temperatures are particularly unsafe for young children, the elderly and pets”. The normal temperature for that date is 86 degrees, and the record high was 99 set in 1944.

And the high temperature on Thursday is expected to be 96 degrees.

Rounds of storms are likely this morning and this afternoon, the National Weather Service said.

Improved weather conditions arrive for the weekend.

All in all, the public needs to take this heat wave seriously. The Weather Service expects it to reach the lower 90s. And even flights could be affected at major airports.

The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory to the Kansas City-area for Wednesday afternoon and warned that unsafe heat and humidity will continue here Thursday. Never leave children or pets in vehicles. People are warned to avoid prolonged work outdoors if possible, to seek air conditioning and to drink plenty of liquid.