A powerful storm system will track from the Plains to the Great Lakes region this weekend. On the cold side of the storm, heavy snow with blizzard conditions are expected over portions of the central and northern Plains to the upper Great Lakes. Severe thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and flash flooding will be possible over the lower Mississippi, Tennessee, and Ohio Valley. Read More >
Join the National Weather Service in building a Weather Ready Nation by promoting the following weather safety information.
Before heading to the park, lake, scenic river, ball game or to any outdoor activity be ready for unexpected or even hazardous weather conditions. Get the latest forecast before heading out
Summer Safety YouTube VideosBeat the HeatLightning SafetyFlash Flood Safety |
Summer Safety PDFsHeat Safety TipsLightning Safety TipsFlash Flood Safety Tips |
Symptoms of Heat Disorders
First Aid | ||
Sunburn | Skin redness and pain, possible swelling, blisters, fever, headaches. | Take a shower, using soap, to remove oils that may block pores preventing the body from cooling naturally. If blisters occur, apply dry, sterile dressings and get medical attention. |
Heat Cramps | Painful spasms usually in leg and abdominal muscles. Heavy sweating. | Firm pressure on cramping muscles or gentle massage to relieve spasm. Give sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue. |
Heat Exhaustion | Heavy sweating, weakness, skin cold, pale and clammy. Weak pulse. Normal temperature possible. Fainting, vomiting | Get victim to lie down in a cool place. Loosen clothing. Apply cool, wet cloths. Fan or move victim to air-conditioned place. Give sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue. If vomiting occurs, seek immediate medical attention. |
Heat Stroke |
High body temperature (106+). Hot, dry skin. Rapid, strong pulse. Possible unconsciousness. Victim will likely not sweat. | Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency. Call 9-1-1 or emergency medical services or get the victim to a hospital immediately. Delay can be fatal. Move victim to a cooler environment. Try a cool bath or sponging to reduce body temperature. Use extreme caution. Remove clothing. Use fans and/or air conditioners. DO NOT GIVE FLUIDS. |
You can help yourself and others avoid experiencing the HEAT DISORDERS (above) by following these safety rules.
Never Leave Children, Disabled Adults or Pets in Parked Vehicles
Each year, dozens of children and untold numbers of pets left in parked vehicles die from hyperthermia. Hyperthermia is an acute condition that occurs when the body absorbs more heat than it can handle. Hyperthermia can occur even on a mild day. Studies have shown that the temperature inside a parked vehicle can rapidly rise to a dangerous level for children, pets and even adults. Leaving the windows slightly open does not significantly decrease the heating rate. The effects can be more severe on children because their bodies warm at a faster rate than adults.
Courtesy of San Francisco State University. Use of this graph does not imply NWS endorsement of services provided by San Francisco State University.
The sun's shortwave radiation (yellow in figure below) heats objects that it strikes. For example, a dark dashboard or seat can easily reach temperatures in the range of 180 to over 200°F. These objects (e.g., dashboard, steering wheel, child seat) heat the adjacent air by conduction and convection and also give off longwave radiation (red in figure below) which is very efficient at warming the air trapped inside a vehicle.
Shown below are time lapse photos of thermometer readings in a car over a period of less than an hour. As the animation shows, in just over 2 minutes the car went from a safe temperature to an unsafe temperature of 94.3°F. This demonstration shows just how quickly a vehicle can become a death trap for a child.
Objects Heated by the Sun Warm Vehicle's Air
CLICK HERE FOR ANIMATION (700K)
( Hi-Res ~ 2.5 mb.WMV file)
Individual Frames:
0 min, 10 min, 20 min, 30 min, 40 min, 50 min, 60 min
Animation Courtesy of General Motors and San Francisco State University. Use of this animation does not imply NWS endorsement of services provided by General Motors and San Francisco State University.
Hyperthermia deaths aren't confined to summer months. They also happen during the spring and fall. Below are some examples.
The atmosphere and the windows of a car are relatively transparent to the sun’s shortwave radiation yellow in figure below) and are warmed little. This shortwave energy, however, does heat objects it strikes. For example, a dark dashboard or seat can easily reach temperatures in the range of 180°F to more than 200°F. These objects, e.g., dashboard, steering wheel, childseat, heat the adjacent air by conduction and convection and give off longwave radiation (infrared), which efficiently warms the air trapped inside a vehicle. Learn more about excessive heat and cars.
Missouri Heat Related Deaths*
Year | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 |
Deaths | 25 | 17 | 18 | 14 | 52 | 52 | 26 | 11 | 10 | 34 | 25 | 25 | 3 | 17 |
Heat Related Deaths: 1980 - 2016: 1272
To advise you of the potential of excessive heat, NWS Springfield will issue:
Heat advisory: Heat index around 105 degrees or greater, or 4 days or more of a heat index greater than 100.
Excessive Heat Warning: Heat index of 105 for 4 days OR a heat index of 110 degrees or greater.
Hazardous weather outlook: Daily at 6 am and 1 pm to highlight the potential of any hazardous weather over the next few days.
When you are outdoors enjoying the many recreational opportunities in the Ozarks, you should be especially alert for changing weather conditions and know what to do if thunder is heard or lightning is observed. Tragedies in school sponsored athletics are unfortunately a growing trend as well. When thunderstorms threaten, coaches and officials must not let the desire to start or finish an athletic activity or event cloud their judgement when the safety of participants and spectators is in jeopardy. While many people think they are aware of the dangers of lightning, the vast majority are not. Lightning can strike as much as 10 miles away from the rain area of a thunderstorm; that's about the distance that you are able to hear the thunder from the storm
Here are lightning safety and planning resources for outdoor recreational interests and event planning.
Remember, there is NO safe place outside in a thunderstorm. If you absolutely can't get to safety, this section may help you slightly lessen the threat of being struck by lightning while outside. Don't kid yourself--you are NOT safe outside.
Outdoor safety:
Missouri Lightning Deaths
Year | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 |
Deaths | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
Kansas Lightning Deaths
Year | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 |
Deaths | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
The 3 Deaths in Missouri in 2011 tied with Utah for most in the United States in 2011. The above covers reports received by the National Weather Service in Missouri. Historically, deaths and injuries from lightning have been very under reported.
In Missouri there have been 101 deaths attributed to lightning from 1959 - 2016, an average of 2 deaths per year. In comparison, the the average number of deaths caused by tornadoes since 1950 has risen to 6. So overall, we are doing better in terms of lightning safety.
One lightning stoke can generate between 100 million and 1 billion volts of electricity!
Each year, more deaths occur due to flooding than from any other thunderstorm related hazard. Why? The main reason is people underestimate the force and power of water.
Be especialy alert when camping near or floating on area streams and rivers. Water levels can rise rapidy and without little if any notice. Heavy rain upstream can cause flash floods even thougth it may be sunny at your location.
Many of the deaths occur in automobiles as they are swept downstream. Of these drownings, many are preventable, but too many people continue to drive across a flooded road.
One of the primary flood hazards and causes of flood related deaths across the Ozarks is driving into low water crossings. Every year a few adventurous drivers attempt to cross flooded roads and fail. Whether you are driving or walking, if you come to a flooded road, Turn around Don't Drown. You will not know the depth of the water nor the condition of the road under the water.
For much more UV information and UV forecasts, go to the following sites:
UV Index Number | Exposure Level |
---|---|
2 or less | Low |
3 to 5 | Moderate |
6 to 8 | High |
8 to 10 | Very High |
11+ | Extreme |
Action Steps for Sun Safety
Do NOT Burn
Sunburns significantly increase one's lifetime risk of developing skin cancer, especially for children.
Avoid Sun Tanning and Tanning Beds
UV radiation from tanning beds and the sun causes skin cancer and wrinkling.
Generously Apply Sunscreen
Generously apply about one ounce of sunscreen to cover all exposed skin 15 minutes before going outside. Sunscreen should have a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30 and provide broad-spectrum protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Reapply every two hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating.
Wear Protective Clothing
Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses, when possible.
Seek Shade
Seek shade when possible, and remember that the sun’s UV rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Use Extra Caution Near Water, Snow and Sand
Water, snow and sand reflect the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chance of sunburn.
Check the UV Index
The UV Index provides important information to help you plan your outdoor activities in ways that prevent sun overexposure. The UV Index forecast is issued daily by the National Weather Service and EPA.
Get Vitamin D Safely
Get Vitamin D safely through a diet that includes vitamin supplements and foods fortified with Vitamin D. Don't seek the sun.