With a high temperature of 101 degrees and a heat index of 105 degrees forecast, the National Weather Service in St. Louis has issued a Heat Advisory in effect from 1-7 p.m. Friday covering portions of central, east-central, northeastern and southeastern Missouri.
Forecasters said a large dome of high pressure is causing the sweltering heat to continue in the Central Plains.
To avoid heat illnesses, the NWS advises drinking plenty of fluids, staying in an air-conditioned room and staying out of the sun, as well as checking on relatives and neighbors.
To reduce risk while performing outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends frequent rest breaks in shade or air-conditioned environments, according to the NWS.
If heat stroke is expected, call 911.
The Salvation Army of Jefferson City operates its Center of Hope shelter as a daytime cooling center after an Excessive Heat Advisory is issued by the National Weather Service, with operation guidelines to reduce the spread of the coronavirus in the facility.
The center at 927 Jefferson St. is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It can provide hydration, snacks, meals and overnight shelter if necessary.
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services also lists the Clarke Senior Center on Linden Drive in Jefferson City as a cooling center during its normal hours from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Cooling center locations are activated when a Heat Advisory is issued, which is when the heat index is expected to reach 105 degrees or temperature reach 100 degrees. A Heat Warning is issued when the heat index is expected to reach 110 degrees for two consecutive days without dropping below 75 degrees, or if a Heat Advisory is expected to last four or more days.