Heat advisory extended to 7 p.m. Tuesday

The National Weather Service today extended a heat issued for Southeast Missouri and parts of Illinois through 7 p.m. Tuesday. The National Weather Service first issued the advisory Sunday morning.

The weather service predicts afternoon temperatures today to peak in the upper 90s with a high Tuesday around 100 degrees. The persistently hot weather pattern -- daily highs in Cape Girardeau have exceeded 90 degrees each day since July 26 -- is expected to continue through the week, with additional advisories likely, the weather service reported.

The forecast high for today is 99 degrees, with highs expected to reach 100 or higher Tuesday and each day through Friday.

A high pressure area to the south of the region will add humidity to the high temperatures, causing a heat index of around 105 degrees today.

During times of such high heat, officials warn the public to drink plenty of fluids, stay out of the sun and check on the elderly and the young.

Cape Girardeau, Perry, Scott, Bollinger, Stoddard and Mississippi counties in Missouri all fall under the advisory. Jackson, Alexander, Pulaski, Massac and Union counties in Illinois are included in the heat advisory as well.