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 “It’s very melty.”
Nine-year-old Jessie Young of St. Peters used those words Sunday afternoon to describe the dissolving status of his chunky chocolate-chip ice cream cone as it rapidly melted and overflowed into a sloppy mess. Jessie, who took refuge under a shaded tree while he and family members strolled along St. Charles’ South Main Street, could have used the same phrase to describe the scorching heat wave that engulfed the area last weekend.
Sunday was the hottest day of the year so far with a high temperature of 102 degrees recorded at St. Charles County’s Smartt Field Airport, said Dale Bechtold, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. Bechtold said Saturday’s high was 96, with a heat index of 114 degrees. Sunday’s heat index was 112, he said.
The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning Monday until 7 p.m. A cold front was expected to provide some relief Tuesday, with a possibility of some rain showers to temporarily lower the summer temperatures.
“We’re anticipating some rain and possible thunderstorms Tuesday, which should get some cooler temperatures coming in,” Bechtold said Monday. “That should cool tings down Wednesday and Thursday, with high temperatures expected to be in the mid to high 80s.”
While the weekend’s thick, sweltering haze left many with little reason to step outdoors, some battled the sun’s wrath for a cold, tasty treat at Fritz’ Frozen Custard in O’Fallon.
Larry and Denise Hansen of O’Fallon said they typically enjoy a Fritz’s goodie while resting at one of its several outdoor tables and benches, but the Saturday afternoon heat was a bit much to bear.
“I think we’ll have to make this to go,” said Larry, who delved into a chocolate malt concrete. “This is going to be liquid in no time.”
Denise had no objection. “There’s no reason for anyone to be outside, unless they are in a swimming pool.”
The combination of heat and humidity creates a hazardous atmosphere where heat illnesses are more likely to occur. That’s especially true for young children and the elderly, said Nick Farruggia, manager of preparedness and client services with the American Red Cross.
Farruggia suggested everyone drink plenty of fluids, stay in the air conditioning, avoid the sun and regularly check on relatives and neighbors during extreme temperatures.
“Especially seniors who live by themselves, it’s important to walk into their house and see what it feels like,” he said Monday. “Sometimes they might not notice that their air conditioning may not be working.”
Pet owners also should be mindful to keep their furry friends cool and hydrated. In St. Peters, a dog died over the weekend from the heat when it got tangled in a chain and could not make it into the shade.
Ron Darling, manager of health and environmental services in St. Peters, said pet owners should keep a watchful eye on animals kept outdoors.
“We always recommend for pets to be brought indoors in this weather,” Darling said. “If they can’t be brought in, they need to have plenty of fresh water, access to shade and they need to be checked on frequently.”
As heat advisories are issued throughout the summer, the United Way and Red Cross establish dedicated “cooling sites” throughout the St. Louis area, said Heather Dawson, vice president of the United Way’s tri-county region.
“When the National Weather Service issues a heat warning, each of our sites are notified that they need to operate as a cooling center,” Dawson said. “Each location remains a cooling site for at least 24 hours after the heat advisory expires.”
For locations of cooling sites in St. Charles County, contact the United Way at 1-800-427-4626.
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