Heat in Allen, Kansas

From July 16-20, a deadly heat wave gripped much of central, south-central and southeast Kansas. Broad high pressure in the mid and upper levels of the atmosphere caused temperatures to soar into the 105-110 degree range, with afternoon heat indices about the same. The cover of darkness provided little in the way of relief, as overnight temperatures were slow to fall off, reaching only the upper 70s by sunrise for some locations. Unfortunately, the prolonged heat claimed five lives across south-central and southeast Kansas, most of them elderly men. Three occurred in Wichita, one in Iola, and another in Coffeyville. The heat unofficially claimed three other lives, two in Wichita and one in Coffeyville. Additionally, dozens of individuals across central, south-central and southeast Kansas were treated for heat-related illnesses.