ST. LOUIS — Summertime heat has been slow to develop this year in St. Louis. Through the first nine days of June, we did not hit 90 degrees officially at St. Louis Lambert International Airport, until Thursday, June 10. We actually hit 91 in St. Louis.
Friday, June 11, became our hottest day yet, 96 was the official high. With the humidity factored in, the feels like temperature was over 100 in spots.
More 90s are in the forecast, as more sunshine allows already warm and muggy air to heat up into the 90s Saturday.
The average first 90-degree day in St. Louis is May 20. While this year is running a bit behind, the longest we've had to wait to reach this particular mark was July 4 back in 1912 and again in 1961.
With dew points remaining in the upper 60s to lower 70s, humidity levels will be high into the first half of the weekend. The combination of heat and humidity will create heat index values in the 90s to around 100 again Saturday afternoon.
Since we have not had any significant stretch of really warm weather, our bodies are not acclimated to the heat just yet. Scattered showers and storms are possible Saturday and may help to ease the heat if one develops in your area.
During the afternoon and early evening hours, when the heat index is at its highest, limit physical exertion outside, stay out of the sun if possible and perhaps most importantly, drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated is key to avoiding heat illness.
Sunday is still expected to be hot, but the humidity levels are forecast to drop a bit and both temperatures and humidity levels will fall off across the area by the middle of next week with highs in the 80s and much more comfortable air in place.
