Heat Wave Batters Affton, Shrewsbury

Fire departments and hospitals have dealt with a rash of heat-related distress during the recent heat warning. As rain began to move into the region Tuesday, temperatures remained oppressively in the high 90s, with a heat index topping at 110. Monday was even hotter.

Across the region at least 30 people went to hospitals with heat-related illnesses, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported.

The high temperatures St. Louisians have endured lately could drop in the next couple days, but they won't for long. 

Forecasts from the National Weather Service website, along with others, have Wednesday and Thursday with highs in the mid-80s. Like today, there is a chance for rain both days.

Those temperatures could start to rise again, with high 90s expected on Sunday and Monday.

The weather service would probably issue another heat warning or advisory if those highs still look likely on Thursday, NWS Warning Coordination Metrologist Jim Kamper told Patch Tuesday.

Parks and Recreation Director Marc Bernstein said despite the weather, they haven't had to cancel any events. A soccer camp started yesterday, but is still going on.

"They're still outside, we're watching them carefully, making sure they have plenty of fluids," he said.

Shrewsbury Fire Chief Bill Fox said when it stays 90 degrees or higher for four days in a row, the department calls senior citizens and offers to run errands for them or provide fans. Several senior facilities in town also serve as informal cooling centers, he said.

Matt Pike with the said there has been a significant increase in heat related calls this week. It's also affected their response to other calls.

“It makes things a lot harder," he said.

Little Leaguers also were out in the heat Monday, according to a story from KTVI. At the Affton Athletic Association, umpires told coaches games could wait, according to the report, and several players had to rest off the field.

For info on local cooling centers and tips on how to beat the heat, .