In a weekend of festivals, Friday was Topeka’s hottest day so far this year. How hot did it get?
Friday was Topeka’s hottest day of the year, so far.
The National Weather Service reported Topeka temperatures topped out at 102 degrees and the heat index reached 108 late Friday afternoon as the city kicked off a weekend in which many residents would be outdoors for the annual Fiesta Mexicana and Country Stampede.
Meanwhile, forecasters predicted temperatures would rise to 102 degrees on Tuesday.
"Drink plenty of water and limit outdoor time as much as possible!" the weather service's Topeka office said on Twitter.
Forecasters encouraged residents to never leave people or pets alone in closed cars and to wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing.
Historically, Topeka's average high temperature is 90 degrees on July 15 and 16, and 91 degrees each day from July 17 through Aug. 5, according to the weather service.
The weather service predicted Topeka temperatures would top out at 95 on Saturday, 90 on Sunday, 95 on Monday and 102 on Tuesday.
Topeka's record high temperature for the latter date, July 20, is 109, set in 2006.
Before Friday, Topeka's top temperature so far this year had been 100 degrees, recorded on June 13 and again June 21.
The heat wave come at a popular time for public gatherings in northeast Kansas.
The annual annual Fiesta Mexicana and Country Stampede both began Thursday and run through Saturday in Topeka while the annual Amelia Earhart Festival takes place Friday and Saturday in Atchison.
Marginal chance for severe storms forecast Saturday
Topeka received 0.05 inch of rain Friday morning, according to the weather service.
It said scattered thunderstorms would be possible Saturday afternoon and evening in northeast Kansas, with a few potentially becoming severe.
"Damaging winds and small hail would be the main hazards," the weather service said on its website.
Tim Hrenchir can be reached at threnchir@gannett.com or 785-213-5934.
This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: 102-degree heat, humidity affecting Fiesta Mexicana, Country Stampede
