National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Overview

One of our longest lasting heat waves in recent memory occurred during mid to late July 2025. High temperatures in the low to mid 90s combined with very high humidity levels (dew points in the mid 70s to low 80s) to produce heat index values that were routinely in the 100 to 110 range starting on July 16th and continuing through the 30th. Some relief occurred across the northern 1/3 to 1/2 of the region on the 19th and 21st thanks to more widespread showers/storms and associated cloud cover. However, as the ridge amplified and coverage of showers and storms began to dwindle, the entire region became engulfed in widespread heat index readings of 100 to 110 from the 22nd through 24th. Localized readings of 115 to 120 were observed during this time across parts of southeast Missouri and the Jackson Purchase area of west Kentucky. We saw a slight decrease on the 25th and 26th due to more clouds around, largely limiting heat index readings to the 100 to 105 range. This was then followed by the most oppressive heat of the entire heat wave with widespread heat index readings of 110 to 120, along with localized higher readings, on the 28th. The heat wave continued through the 30th and then a cold front moving south through the region finally brought relief on July 31st. 

Our office had Heat Advisories or Extreme Heat Warnings in effect for portions of our region on 15 consecutive days from July 16th through the 30th.

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