The National Weather Service continues the Heat Advisory through Wednesday evening for much of the area.
Temperatures running in the mid-90s through Wednesday will combine with oppressive humidity to produce heat indices near 105 degrees.
105 or higher is considered to be the level where the body becomes more susceptible to heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
The extreme heat and humidity are likely to continue through the end of the week, and possibly into next weekend. An excessive heat warning may become necessary beyond Wednesday.
Additionally, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet highway crews across the region are continuing alternate shift schedules due to extreme high temperatures in the forecast this week.
Highway crews normally work 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., CDT, weekdays. During a round of hot weather back in June, highway crews moved to an alternate schedule of 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., CDT, weekdays.
The early shift start allows crews to complete most of their highway maintenance work earlier in the day when temperatures are typically lower than the afternoon hours. With the National Weather Service predicting heat index values above 100 degrees this week, highway crews will continue their summer schedule. Many crews are likely to stay on the summer schedule through Labor Day week before moving back to the normal 7 a.m., start time.
Motorists should be aware that while crews are on the early work schedule they may be more likely to encounter work zone lane restrictions and flaggers during the morning commute. Highway crews are also subject to working extra hours to assist with traffic control for major crashes, flash flooding response, removing downed trees during storms and response to other emergencies.
Transportation Cabinet crews work outdoors in all types of weather. While they have been trained to watch for heat stroke symptoms and other heat-related issues, safety personnel are reminding workers to be alert and use caution as the heat index is expected to push above 100 degrees for the next several days.