Excessive heat watch issued for Western Kentucky

Heat index values of 105 to 110 degrees are predicted.

The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat watch that will be in effect from Monday afternoon through Thursday evening in Hopkinsville and surrounding areas. 

Western Kentucky and southern Indiana will experience heat index values of 105 to 110 degrees. 

“Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities,” the weather service said. “This will likely be the worst heat wave we have experienced this summer in terms of duration. The multiple day aspect of this excessive heat will add to the impact.”

High temperatures through Friday will range from about 96 to 99 degrees.

During the watch, residents are urged to “drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.”

Jennifer P. Brown is co-founder, publisher and editor of Hoptown Chronicle. You can reach her at editor@hoptownchronicle.org. She spent 30 years as a reporter and editor at the Kentucky New Era. She is a co-chair of the national advisory board to the Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues, governing board president for the Kentucky Historical Society, and co-founder of the Kentucky Open Government Coalition.