Record breaking heat is expected to continue over the next several days.
An excessive heat warning remains in place areawide through Wednesday evening. Saturday saw Manhattan become the hottest place in the country, according to the National Weather Service in Wichita, after a 115 degree reading was measured. It is an unofficial new record for the city, based on current data. According to weather officials, Manhattan, as well as Lawrence and Emporia don’t have data going as far back in time as Topeka and Concordia. (See below). The previous all-time record, according to current data, was 111 degrees, recorded on Sept. 2, 2000.
Preliminary data shows that Manhattan, Kansas had the highest temperature today, August 19th, across the contiguous United States at 115 degrees! #kswx
— NWS Wichita (@NWSWichita) August 20, 2023
Excitement about the 115° measured at Manhattan Airport (MHK). Yea, that’s close to the all-time record of 116° (1936). However, the airport is NOT the official record for Manhattan. That is on campus at a location that meets siting requirements and has 100+ yrs of data. #kswx pic.twitter.com/U4yNpgketV
— Kansas Mesonet (@ksmesonet) August 19, 2023
Heat indices (feels like temperatures), will range from 110 to 121 on Sunday, thanks to the continued oppressive humidity levels. That will be the story continuing through the better part of the work week, as afternoon heat indices from 105 to 110 will be expected. Air temperatures (actual temperatures) will range from around 104 to 106 through Wednesday.
Forecasters say if you don’t need to be outside in the afternoon, reconsider scheduling plans as the excessive heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses.
In addition, Riley County Emergency Management issued a no-burn notice Friday, in effect until further notice.
Always remember to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun and check on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles!
Record high temperatures for Aug. 19 – Aug. 23, according to NOAA weather data recorded at the Manhattan Regional Airport ASOS station are as follows
Aug. 19 – 105 degrees in 2003 / actual temperature 115
Aug. 20 – 105 degrees in 2003 / forecast temperature 104
Aug. 21 – 106 degrees in 2003 / forecast temperature 106
Aug. 22 – 105 degrees in 2000 / forecast temperature 105
Aug. 23 – 106 degrees in 2000 / forecast temperature 104
