Heat — Butler, Missouri

2005-07-21 to 2005-07-26 · Butler, Missouri

Wider weather episode

Several days of excessive heat and humidity caused two fatalities and a significant increase in heat-related illnesses. In Cape Girardeau, two residents of a home without air conditioning died. The windows were closed because one of the victims suffered from asthma. They relied mostly on fans to keep cool. In neighboring Scott County, a resident of Scott City died from indirect effects of the heat. The 43-year-old man, who had serious pre-existing medical problems, died in a small travel trailer in which the air conditioner was broken. Local hospitals reported that the majority of those treated were involved in outdoor activities. The heat index peaked around 115 degrees each afternoon, and dropped to only around 80 degrees at night. True air temperatures reached the upper 90's, with overnight lows in the mid 70's. At Cape Girardeau, the heat index topped out at 117 degrees on the 21st and 22nd, 112 on the 23rd, 115 on the 24th, 108 on the 25th, and 111 on the 26th. Heat indices were a little lower to the west of Cape Girardeau, including the Poplar Bluff area, where heat indices were often 3 to 5 degrees lower. The heat wave was the result of an expansive surface high pressure system extending from the Gulf of Mexico to the Great Lakes. A light southerly wind flow, combined with moist ground from the remnants of Hurricane Dennis earlier in the month, allowed dew points to hover near 80 degrees.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5461099. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.