TOPEKA, KS – July 18, 2025 – Kansans are urged to prepare for a significant and potentially dangerous heat wave, with an Extreme Heat Warning issued for a large portion of central, east central, north central, and northeast Kansas, and an Extreme Heat Watch for several counties further north. The National Weather Service in Topeka issued these advisories this afternoon, effective starting Saturday and extending through next week.
Extreme Heat Warning: Noon Saturday to 7 PM CDT Wednesday
Counties under the Extreme Heat Warning include Clay, Riley, Pottawatomie, Jefferson, Ottawa, Dickinson, Geary, Morris, Wabaunsee, Shawnee, Douglas, Lyon, Osage, Franklin, Coffey, and Anderson. This encompasses major cities such as Topeka, Lawrence, Emporia, Manhattan, Junction City, and Ottawa, among others.
Residents in these areas can expect a prolonged period of hot conditions with heat index values potentially reaching up to 107 degrees Fahrenheit. The primary concern is a significant increase in heat-related illnesses due to the extreme heat and high humidity. There is also a possibility that this warning could be extended beyond Wednesday if the forecast holds.
Extreme Heat Watch: Monday Afternoon Through Wednesday Evening
Further north, the counties of Republic, Washington, Marshall, Nemaha, Brown, Cloud, and Jackson are under an Extreme Heat Watch. Cities in this region include Concordia, Hiawatha, Marysville, and Holton.
While not yet a warning, this watch indicates the possibility of dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit for a prolonged period. Heat-related illnesses are also a significant concern in these areas. The National Weather Service notes that this watch could be upgraded to a warning and extended through next week if the forecast trends as expected.
Safety Precautions Crucial During Heat Wave
Authorities are stressing the importance of taking preventative measures to avoid heat-related illnesses, which can range from heat exhaustion to life-threatening heat stroke.
Key recommendations for all affected areas include:
- Never leave young children or pets in unattended vehicles. Interior car temperatures can become lethal in minutes.
- Limit strenuous outdoor activities to early morning or evening hours.
- Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when outside.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
- Seek air-conditioned environments as much as possible.
- Check on relatives and neighbors, especially the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions, who are more vulnerable to heat.
For individuals who must work outdoors, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments.
Recognizing Heat-Related Illnesses:
- Heat Exhaustion symptoms can include headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, irritability, thirst, heavy sweating, elevated body temperature, and decreased urine output. If these symptoms occur, move to a cooler place, remove unnecessary clothing, and sip cool water. Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or do not improve within an hour, or if the person is unable to drink, vomits, or becomes confused.
- Heat Stroke is a medical emergency. Symptoms include confusion, altered mental status, slurred speech, loss of consciousness, hot and dry skin (though sweating can still occur in exertional heat stroke), seizures, and a very high body temperature (often above 104°F or 40°C). If you suspect heat stroke, immediately call 911 and move the person to a cool, shaded location while waiting for emergency services.
Residents are advised to monitor the latest forecasts and warnings for updates as the situation develops.
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