Despite Heat Warning Town and Country, Manchester Daily Activities Continue

At 11:24 a.m. Monday, the electronic sign at Manchester's police station already marked a temperature of 98 degrees, and it may get hotter.

The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning, with the possibility of temperatures reaching over 100 degrees. Town and Country and Manchester activities, however, will continue as planned.

"We don’t have any events that will be affected," said Town and Country Parks and Recreation Director Anne Nixon. "We will make sure our outdoor staff drink plenty of water and work on some indoor tasks during the peak heat hours."

Manchester City Clerk Ruth Baker also said all meetings and activities in the city will continue as planned.

Nixon said the city of Town and Country has some places where residents can have fun and stay cool at the same time.

"A chilled water fountain is available adjacent to the pavilion and playground in each city park," Nixon said. "If you are exercising at , take advantage of the air-conditioned Longview Farm House to get some relief from the heat. The temperatures have not reached this level in Town and Country in the past five years I have worked here."

Jeff Sadtler, chief deputy for the , said all of the department's vehicles have been equipped with ice packs and hydrating fluids, should a heat emergency occur.

Sadtler said people can continue their daily activities such as gardening and jogging or walking their dogs as long as they "take a lot of breaks and consume a lot of water."

Sadtler also said symptoms of a heat-related illness can include the sudden stop of sweat, and any sort of dizziness or mental changes while outdoors.

Britteny Tobler, manager at the Manchester Aquatic Center, said she thinks people will continue to come to the pools as usual, but perhaps will stay for shorter periods of time because of the heat.

Tobler said while in the pool, residents should be careful to not be fooled by the pool's cool waters.

"We work on keeping our guards hydrated and encourage people to drink water because some people think that because they are in the pool, they are cooler and not hot, but they are losing water just as fast," Tobler said. "Also, don't drink a lot of soda, because it actually dehydrates you faster. Wear sunscreen and wear hats or something to cover your head while it's hot."

The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning for other cities in Missouri including Kansas City, and for 15 other states in the United States, where temperatures above 100 degrees are expected in the central and southern plains and middle and lower Mississippi Valley today. According to their forecast, temperatures will reach the highest for the area today and Tuesday. Throughout the week, temperatures will continue to rise above 90 degrees.

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