Thursday to Break Heat Records, Babler State Park May Ban Flames

Thursday's predicted high temperature of at least 107 degrees will set a new record in the St. Louis area, if it's reached. The current record of 104 degrees for June 28 was established in 1952, according to KSDK-TV chief meteorologist Cindy Preszler. Wednesday evening, she said St. Louis temperatures have not been this close to smashing the record for the Fourth of July weather for the past five years.

in is a popular spot for Independence Day campers and hikers, however this year they may not be able to make warm meals via camp fires. Babler Park Superintendent Jeff Robinson told Patch he believes a statewide fire ban may be issued Thursday or Friday.

Babler Park falls under the Department of Natural Resources' Division of State Parks.

"I've never seen it this bad in June in the 22 years I've worked here," said Robinson.

He said have been held in the park, and that it's been a challenge to keep campers comfortably cool.

Robinson said the United States didn't even get help this year from the snow packs that typically melt by now and make their way toward lower altitudes.

"With it being the warmest year on record, we will have to look at bringing our outside workers inside. We usually start to be concerned at 103 degrees. My understanding is that the humidity may get the worse on Monday, and then the heat index will spike," he said. "The trees and vegetation are under more stress than we can imagine."

The last time this degree of heat was felt in June for three or more consecutive days in this area was more than 60 years ago, according to National Weather Service experts, which also said there is a possibility temperatures could rise to 105 degrees or more again on Sunday and continue into next week.

Humidity versus Real Heat

According to area meteorologists, Thursday will be the hottest day in this heat attack. But days following will be more humid causing it to feel just as hot. So what's the difference? When the humidity is high, sweat doesn't evaporate as much, and so our body loses some of the cooling effect that the evaporation of sweat provides.

Looking Ahead

The National Weather Service website states an advisory is issued whenever temperatures and humidity make it feel like 100 degrees for a string of four days or more. Temperatures for the rest of the week and into next week, will remain at 100 degrees or more.

• Wednesday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 99 degrees.
• Thursday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 107 degrees.
• Friday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 104 degrees.
• Saturday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 101 degrees.
• Sunday: Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 101 degrees.

Cooling Off

The NWS also states that heat-related illnesses are a real threat, especially for small children, the elderly, and others with health conditions.

See warning from U.S. Labor Department:

Should you need cooling assistance, people in the St. Louis area can get information about cooling centers or energy assistance by calling the United Way at 800-427-4426. You can also dial  2-1-1 from a landline phone to reach the United Way.

The number for Cool Down St. Louis is 314-241-7668.

Beat the Heat

Below are a few tips for beating the heat:

• Stay in air-conditioned areas as much as possible.
• Consume lots of water.
• Wear light-colored clothing outdoors.
• Avoid cotton clothing and opt for fabrics that allow your skin to breathe, better enabling it to cool off.
• If you need to run errands, do so early in the morning. 6 a.m. tends to be the coolest part of the day.

Be A Shepherd

Be sure to check on loved ones, friends and family. If you know a senior citizen, be sure to call or stop by and ensure they are using air. If they don't have a window unit or central air, offer a room for them until the evening when it's cooler or get them somewhere they feel comfortable, that is also air conditioned.

Also be sure to check on any person who may have a disability to ensure they are doing well in the heat.