Community Corner

The Heat is On: 60 Year Heat Hitting St. Peters Through Sunday

The entire Metro St. Louis area is under a heat advisory until Sunday morning. Residents urged to stay inside as much as possible.

Dangerous levels of heat will overspread the St. Louis Region from Thursday through Sunday, according to National Weather Service.

Residents can expect record breaking temperatures reaching as high as 108 degrees on Thursday. On Friday, air temperatures are expected to be cooler around 100 degrees; however, humidity will keep it feeling like 105. 

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 NWS, which also said there is a possibility temperatures could rise to 105 degrees or more again on Sunday and continue into next week.

Find out what's happening in St. Peterswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Humidity vs. 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.

Find out what's happening in St. Peterswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Looking Ahead

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

  • Thursday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 108
  • Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 71. 
  • Friday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 104
  • Friday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 75. 
  • Saturday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 101
  • Saturday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 76. 
  • Sunday: Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 101
  • Sunday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. 

Five Ways to Beat the Heat In St. Peters

  1. Stay inside. Air conditioning is great for the oppressive heat. 
  2. During the heat wave last year, several residents suggested hitting up the . The pool is open daily. If swimming isn't for you, there's always the ice rink. The rink has daily open sessions for skaters to sharpen their skills in the cold. 
  3. Hit up the outdoor pool.  Water will cool you down fast and St. Peters . Just remember to wear sunscreen so you don't get burnt to a crisp. 
  4. Catch a movie—movie theaters are traditionally ice boxes. I remember a friend of mine bringing socks to wear for a movie when she was wearing sandals.  may not be an ice box, but it will surely keep you out of the sun for a few hours. 
  5. Walk around  Window shopping is free. 

Cooling Off

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

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. The closest cooling center to Hazelwood is the Bridgeton Senior Center located at  4201 Fee Fee Road. Photo identification is required, and the site is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.

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.


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