HEAT CLAIMS TWO MORE LIVES; RAIN, FRONTAL SYSTEM MAY BRING SOME RELIEF

Human beings, animals and crops are being endangered by the blast-furnace heat that has settled over the Midwest over the past two weeks.

Statewide, two more heat-related deaths were reported Friday, bringing the total to 29 since July 21. A 75-year-old woman and a 75-year-old man, both of whom lived alone in Kansas City, were found dead in their homes.

Locally, three persons were reported to have suffered heat-related illnesses Wednesday, according to a survey conducted by the Cape Girardeau County Department of Health.

Friday's temperature reached 98 in Cape Girardeau with a heat index of 113 degrees.

The heat advisory issued by the National Weather Service Friday continues in effect today. Heat indexes of 105 to 115 degree are expected.

But some respite is in sight. A 20 percent chance of showers is predicted tonight, and a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms is forecast for Sunday. Temperatures are expected to fall slightly as a weak frontal system tries to move into the region.

Highs in the upper 80s to low 90s are predicted Sunday through Wednesday. After the rainfall possible Sunday, the forecast is dry through Wednesday.

Symptoms of heat stroke include nausea, vomiting, lack of concentration, extreme lethargy and dizziness. Headache is the most common symptom.

"People really need to pay attention to those," said Charlotte Craig, director of the county health department. "If you're outside and walking the dog, be aware. You're not going to die, but you need to find a tree and shade."

Animals also are at risk. The Humane Society of Southeast Missouri has received a number of calls from people reporting that neighbors' dogs have been chained in the sun, sometimes without adequate water. Those calls are referred to animal control officers.

In one case, a dog that was not used to being kept outside died after being left out in the sun all day without shade.

Shade and water are the two essentials for animals to survive in heat. But Humane Society administrator Debbie Litzelfelner made a plea to put pets in a ventilated garage or a cool basement during this period of extreme heat.

The Humane Society got its broken air-conditioning system running four days ago, something the organization hasn't been able to afford to do for the past year.

"No matter what it cost we knew the animals came first," said Litzelfelner.

She advised dog owners not to take their pets with them when running errands during the heat wave. Even if you leave the air conditioner on while inside a store, the car could quit running.

"So many things can happen," she said.

The heat also is hurting agriculture in the region. Farmers probably are not losing many cattle, but the cattle are trying to stay cool instead of grazing, which means they are not gaining weight.

Hog farmers are having to keep their animals misted. If hogs are not gaining weight it means more trouble for hog farmers because of already depressed pork prices.

"If the hogs are not gaining properly then they are losing money," said Gerald Bryan, an agronomist with the University of Missouri Extension Service.

Bryan said some losses are being seen in poultry, both in the houses and in shipping.

Corn fields are about a week from achieving drought conditions. In addition, poor pollination caused by the extended hot weather could lead to low yields, Bryan said.

Each kernel of corn must be reached by a grain of pollen in order to develop. If that does not occur, farmers will find only scattered kernels in their ears of corn.

Soybeans planted in late June and early July also are in trouble because they don't have the extensive root systems needed to pick up deep moisture.

Bryan pointed to this year's lower agriculture prices and said, "With the potential for lower yields with lower prices, the prospect for a farmer making any money is very slim.

"... It's going to put a severe financial strain on all areas of farming around this way, especially those that have only one or two crops and no livestock."