Central Kentucky will be in the path of an expected heat wave moving through the midwest and northeast this week.
Meteorologists say the local heat index will be a couple degrees short of 105, the baseline needed to issue a weather advisory.
“For Richmond and the Bluegrass region, it looks like low to mid 90s are likely through Thursday,” Louisville meteorologist Evan Webb said. “There's a chance it could get a little bit warmer late in the week, by Thursday and Friday, with kind of more widespread mid 90s.”
In the meantime, Webb says to be careful.
“If you have to work or spend extended periods outdoors, definitely take frequent breaks in the shade or in air conditioned spaces, check on those that are more vulnerable to the heat like the elderly, anyone without air conditioning.” Webb said.
Drivers should also take care to not leave children or pets unattended in the back seat of cars, which can reach deadly temperatures in minutes.
The city of Lexington has issued its own heat alert and is opening cooling stations throughout the city to help its most vulnerable. Anyone in need can ride LexTran free of charge to those cooling stations, including community centers in the Dunbar, Kenwick, Castlewood and Tates Creek neighborhoods.
The heat wave is expected to break Sunday.
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