The National Weather Service in Paducah has issued a heat advisory for westernmost Kentucky and southernmost Illinois until 8 pm.
Temperatures climbing into the lower and mid-90s combined with very humid conditions will push the heat index into the 105 to 108 range this afternoon over southeast Missouri, far western Kentucky and far southern Illinois.
A heat index of 105 is considered to be the level where the body starts to be affected by heat stroke or heat exhaustion. Take precautions if you spend much time outdoors today.
The chance for a thunderstorm will also build through the afternoon and into the weekend. Locally heavy rain and frequent lightning will be the main concerns.