Extreme Heat Returns to Lakes Region UPDATE

UPDATE: The National Weather Service has upgraded the Heat Watch to a Heat Advisory for most of the Lakes Region. Both the Branson and Harrison areas are included in the advisory. The counties included are Barry, Stone, Taney, and Ozark in the Missouri Lakes Region in addition to Boone, Carroll, and Marion in Arkansas. Northern parts of Newton and Searcy Counties are also included in the advisory.

Original Story

The Lakes Region is bracing for another heatwave.

Today begins with rain possible, which could linger until Saturday morning. The rain leaves behind warmer conditions with temperatures soaring into the mid to upper 90s Saturday then at 100 or greater over the next three days. Heat Index readings will reach as high as 110 during this time. 

The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Watch beginning Saturday afternoon and running through Tuesday. Officials warn that heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events. People are reminded to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.