Senior Center Cooling Station Closed After a Volunteer Tests Positive for COVID – But Dangerous Heat Wave Continues

The National Weather Service, (NWS) which had previously posted a heat index warning through Wednesday at 8 p.m. has extended that. Post on the NWS page today says EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM CDT THURSDAY.

But beyond that, weather forecasters are predicting that temperatures will be in the 90s for the next ten days and will reach 100 on three days next week. We as a community need to look out for anyone who might be at risk.

This is exceptionally hot and humid for any time of year, Matt Beitscher, NWS meteorologist in St. Louis said.

A heat dome, which began last week in the Southwest has shifted over the central US, where heat and humidity will climb together to levels which will significantly impact the human body.

“This is a day where not only folks who are susceptible to heat-related illnesses, but just about anybody that’s going to be outside for an extended period is at risk fo wheat related illnesses.”

More than 125 million people are under heat alerts, which include excessive heat warnings and heat advisories across most of the central and eastern states.

St. Louis is one of the cities under excessive heat warnings – and that includes our community.

 The Center for Disease Control reports that more than 600 people in the United States are killed by extreme heat every year. 

The NWS also points out that heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events, like what we are experiencing now.

The public is reminded to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.

But here’s the thing, as a regular visitor to the Tri County Senior Center, I am meet residents of our community who live alone and – more importantly – many that do not have computers. They have no way to see the National Weather Service or City of Pacific postings.

We don’t know if, or how many, citizens do not have air conditioners in their homes. But I am concerned that we do have neighbors who live without air conditioning.

This post is not intended to scare anyone. It is just a reminder that helping someone who is in distress due to excessive heat can save a life. This is an appeal to the entire community to remember to check on friends, neighbors and loved ones as this dangerous heat continues.