Kansas City is under its first heat advisory of 2026, with dangerous temperatures and high humidity expected to push the heat index to near 108 degrees.
During periods of extreme heat, it’s important to take precautions and plan ahead to protect yourself and your family. High temperatures can increase the risk of serious heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion, heat stroke, dehydration, heat cramps, and other health complications, especially for older adults, young children, and those with underlying medical conditions.
Extreme heat is responsible for the highest number of annual deaths among all weather-related hazards. Older adults, children and sick or overweight individuals are at greater risk from extreme heat. Humidity increases the feeling of heat.
United Way of Greater Kansas City 211 can connect you with resources to help.
Our dedicated, caring 211 Community Resource Specialists are equipped with a listing of local resources near you, including community cooling centers, fans, and air conditioners. To access resources, dial 2-1-1, visit 211kc.org, or click here.
Summer brings high utility bills that often strain household budgets, too. By calling 211, you can also inquire about available assistance programs. Your call is free and confidential, and you can make it 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) urges all ages to take precautions as heat and humidity rise to dangerous levels. Click here for an interactive map of cooling centers.
The US Department of Homeland Security’s Ready.Gov site also provides the following tips to stay safe during periods of extreme heat:
- Learn to recognize the signs of heat illness.
- Don’t rely on a fan as your primary cooling device. Fans create air flow and false sense of comfort, but don’t greatly reduce body temperature or prevent heat-related illnesses.
- Identify places in your community where you can go to get cool, like libraries, shopping malls, or local cooling centers.
- Cover windows with drapes or shades.
- Weather-strip doors and windows.
- Use window reflectors designed to reflect heat back outside.
- Add insulation to keep the heat out.
- Use a powered attic ventilator, or attic fan, to regulate the heat level of a building’s attic by clearing out hot air.
- Install window air conditioners and insulate around them.
To limit risk of heat related illness:
- Never leave people or pets in a closed car on a warm day.
- Take cool showers or baths.
- Wear light-colored, loose, lightweight clothing.
- Limit oven use to reduce home temperature.
- If outdoors, find as much shade as possible. Wear a hat wide enough to protect your face.
- Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to stay hydrated.
- Avoid high-energy activities or work outdoors, especially during midday heat, if possible.
- Check on family members, older adults, and neighbors.
- Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.
- Consider pet safety. Make sure animals have plentiful access to shade and water. Asphalt and dark pavement can be very hot to your pet’s feet.
- Heat waves may, at times, cause power outages. Learn safety tips should this happen to you.