Managing Outdoor Activity in High Heat
Recently we published this quick article Beating the Heat in response to an industry colleague who needed advice on staying cool in hot summer of Las Vegas, Nevada. This follow-up is more focused on particulars of the plains states, but both articles are good sources.
It’s been a steamy stretch across the central U.S., and today is no exception. Below is a midday snapshot for key Great Plains and Midwest cities. “Feels like” uses AccuWeather’s RealFeel®, which blends temperature, humidity, wind, and sun exposure. Conditions can vary by neighborhood and hour, so use this as a quick guide and check local alerts before heading out.
| City | Actual Temp (°F) | Feels Like (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas City, MO | 90 | 103 |
| Oklahoma City, OK | 92 | 109 |
| St. Louis, MO | 89 | 105 |
| Dallas, TX | 94 | 114 |
| Lincoln, NE | 81 | 98 |
| Des Moines, IA | 78 | 86 |
| Fort Riley, KS | 77 | 72 |
Note: Fort Riley saw cloud cover and recent showers around midday, which lowered the apparent temperature; the afternoon forecast still trends hot.
Practical Heat-Safety Tips for Outdoor Work & Play
- Plan your hours. Aim for early morning or late evening. When the “feels like” tops 100 °F, shorten sessions and increase shade breaks.
- Hydrate on a schedule. Don’t wait for thirst. Sip every 15–20 minutes during activity; add electrolytes for work lasting over an hour. Avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol.
- Use shade and cooling. Spend breaks under trees or canopies. A damp bandana or misted shirt boosts evaporative cooling; rest in A/C when possible.
- Dress smart. Lightweight, light-colored, breathable fabrics; wide-brim hat; UV eyewear. Apply sunscreen—sun exposure can make it feel even hotter.
- Work–rest cycles. For heavy tasks in triple-digit heat index, try ~20 minutes work / 10 minutes rest in shade, adjusting based on how you feel.
- Buddy up & know the signs. Heat cramps, dizziness, nausea, confusion, or hot/dry skin are danger signs. Stop, cool down, hydrate; call 911 if symptoms escalate.
- Vehicles & vulnerable folks. Never leave kids, seniors, or pets in parked cars—interiors can spike dangerously fast. Check on neighbors without reliable A/C.
- Aftercare. Replace fluids and electrolytes, cool gradually, and take it easy the rest of the day if you’ve worked in extreme heat.
Stay situationally aware: check your local forecast and advisories before long outdoor activities.
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