Excessive Heat in New Madrid, Missouri

A prolonged heat wave gripped southeast Missouri for several days. From the 4th to the 8th, peak afternoon heat indices ranged from 103 to 119 degrees. The hottest day in southeast Missouri was the 5th, when the heat index peaked between 111 and 119 at all mesonet and airport sites. During this heat wave, a sprawling 500 mb high covered most of the southern states from the southern Plains to the southern Appalachian Mountains. Beneath this large 500 mb high, daily high temperatures frequently soared to near 100 degrees. Night-time temperatures were quite warm. Both Cape Girardeau and Poplar Bluff set a daily record warm low temperature of 78 degrees on the 6th. Both Cape Girardeau and Poplar Bluff reached an actual high temperature of 100 degrees on the 5th. The heat resulted in two fatalities at a home in Gideon in New Madrid County. A couple in their 50's both passed away in their home, primarily due to heat exposure. Three dogs were also found deceased. The house had no air conditioning and was not well-ventilated.