The National Weather Service has changed the west Kentucky region's Excessive Heat Watch to an Excessive Heat Warning Thursday through Sunday.
The National Weather Service said to expect a prolonged period of "dangerously hot" temperatures. Maximum afternoon heat index values of 105 to 110 degrees will be possible in the days ahead. NWS meteorologist Rick Shanklin said heat concerns also apply during the night.
“You can’t get much recovery at night. You have low temperatures like we’re expecting only dropping off to the mid-70s and especially people without air conditioning… that’s a major concern,” Shanklin said.
The NWS said the combination of hot temperatures and high humidity increase the risk of heat illness. Shanklin said people should drink plenty of fluids, stay out of the sun and in air-conditioned rooms and check up on relatives and neighbors. He said people shouldn’t leave pets, children or the elderly unattended in parked vehicles. Car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.
Shanklin said this is the first excessive heat watch in Kentucky of the year.
This story has been updated after the NWS changed the watch to a warning.