Lawrence has third straight day of triple-digit temps, warning in effect until Wednesday evening

The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning Saturday for Douglas County starting 1 p.m. Sunday and ending 8 p.m. Wednesday.

Lawrence has seen triple-digit heat for the third straight day. The temperature officially hit 101 degrees with a heat index of 111 just before 3 p.m. Tuesday, according to the NWS. By 9 a.m., the heat index had already reached 92 degrees.

As of 6 p.m. Monday, the temperature remained at the 100-degree mark, with humidity pushing the heat index up to 111, according to the NWS. Temperatures hit 101 degrees Sunday afternoon with a heat index reached as high as 113 degrees.

Expect the heat wave to cause hot temperatures throughout the week until next weekend. All neighboring counties are included in the warning.

An excessive heat warning is issued when there is a heat index of at least 105 degrees for more than three hours per day for two consecutive days, or a heat index of more than 115 degrees for any period of time. A heat advisory is issued when the heat index is at least 105 degrees but less than 115 degrees for less than three hours per day, or when nighttime lows are above 80 degrees for two consecutive days.

Prolonged exposure to heat and humidity of this magnitude can cause dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. If you plan to be outside:

  • Avoid strenuous activity
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Wear lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing
  • Wear sunscreen to avoid sunburn

Children, the elderly and those who are chronically ill are at the most risk in extreme heat. The National Weather Service recommends that friends and family members check on those at risk regularly. Temperatures inside cars can also become extreme within a matter of minutes.