Oak Hill, WV (WOAY-TV): Unprecedented and record-breaking heat is punishing the Plains and Midwest, but how does this compare to our all-time heat indices?
Heat indices this week have ranged from 100-120 degrees from Oklahoma to Minnesota. St. Louis tied its third highest heat index of 117 degrees this week while both Little Rock, Ark., and Tulsa, Okla., tied for their second hottest heat index on record at 119 degrees and 120 degrees, respectively.
This level of heat will easily trigger sunstroke and heat exhaustion.
In our region, the all-time highest heat indices recorded include:
Beckley: 98 degrees in 2012
Bluefield: 101 degrees in 1994
Lewisburg: 101 degrees in 2007
As temperatures rise dangerously close to 90 degrees with higher humidity levels late this week, it’s important to avoid exercise between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. (hottest part of the day), stay hydrated, wear loose-fitting clothing and seek shade when outside.
Chief Meteorologist Chad Merrill has our latest 7-Day forecast:
