SIKESTON — An unseasonable heat wave will sweep across the area this week, as record or near record highs are expected.
According to the National Weather Service, record or near record heat was forecast through Wednesday with heat index values around 100 degrees or higher expected.
On Monday, temperatures were forecast to reach the lower to middle 90s and combined with the humidity, was to result in peak heat index values around 100 degrees.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, the heat is forecast to persist, with high temperatures in the upper 90s. The combination of heat and humidity will result in average peak heat index values of 100 to 105 on Tuesday, and around 100 degrees on Wednesday.
Thursday and Friday were expected to be cooler, with highs reaching 77 degrees.