As of September 1, heat alerts were in effect for parts of 17 states, from Oklahoma and Arkansas to Ohio and New Jersey, with heat index values reaching as high as 110°F. Alerts issued by 19 National Weather Service forecast offices highlighted not only high daytime heat index values but also limited overnight cooling, with some expected to remain in place through at least September 4.
Areas Affected
The National Weather Service office in Jackson, Mississippi, forecast heat index values as high as 110°F across southeastern Arkansas, northeastern Louisiana, and central and western Mississippi. Forecast offices across Missouri—including Kansas City, St. Louis, and Springfield—maintained alerts for heat index values from 105°F to as high as 108°F through the evening of September 4. Values near 105°F were forecast around Indianapolis and Louisville, Kentucky, while the Chicago area could reach 110°F. Little Rock and Hot Springs, Arkansas, were forecast to reach 108°F, Memphis, Tennessee, 106°F, and Tulsa, Oklahoma, 107°F. Several forecast offices warned that overnight temperatures may not fall much below the mid-70s, allowing heat stress to build.
What RV Travelers Need to Know
The heat-alert area includes many popular campgrounds in Missouri and Arkansas, including those near Lake of the Ozarks, Branson, and Table Rock Lake, as well as campgrounds near the Mississippi and Ohio rivers. Even with RV air conditioning, travelers should limit outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day, drink plenty of water, and identify shade or air-conditioned facilities in advance. Those planning to camp in a tent or a trailer without air conditioning should account for the limited overnight relief and choose a campground where they can cool off in a nearby lake or river. Pets and children should never be left alone in a vehicle. If symptoms of heat exhaustion, such as dizziness or nausea, develop, move to shade and cool down immediately. Because some forecast offices said alerts could be extended beyond September 4, travelers should check National Weather Service alerts for their destination again before departing.
Photo: USDA / Jacob Maxwell / Original photo. CC BY 2.0. Photo date: July 19, 2012.
