summer heat

Ameren Missouri has disconnected more than 100,000 households that were behind on their bills in the past year. Advocates say Missouri laws need to change to better protect people in extreme heat.

Starting Friday, the National Weather Service predicts a streak of several days above 90 degrees in Kansas City, and heavy humidity that will bring the heat index up to 106 degrees. It will also stay unusually hot even after the sun goes down.

The Kansas City region will see temperatures leap into the 90s on Friday, and stretching through next week. Whether you're going to the pool, walking your dog or working outside, try these 7 proven ways to stay cool and prevent heat-related illness while outside.

Summer is arguably the best time to live in Kansas City. We put together a list of the 2025 summer season's can't-miss events, including Juneteenth, Pride and July 4 festivities — plus annual staples like the Ethnic Enrichment Festival.

Pools around the Kansas City metro officially opened this weekend, while Johnson County offers even more places to swim. This summer will see a blend of familiar favorites and some new places to try.

Kansas averages 25 dangerously hot days per year. That’s 10 more than it would in a world without climate change, according to the report.

About $378 million of Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program funding remains to be distributed. Without federal staff, some experts and advocates worry that low-income customers won’t be able to pay for cooling as the months get hotter.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program was designed to help those with few resources cover their home energy bills in the summer and winter — but the entire staff was fired last week. Since October, the program has helped more than 100,00 Missouri households.

A 15-year-old sophomore at Shawnee Mission Northwest High School collapsed and died during football practice this month. Similar tragedies have occurred repeatedly in several states.

Thirty-four Missouri residents — aged 11 months to 96 years — died last year due to heat-related illness, according to the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services.

Much of Kansas City experiences some heat island effect. As global temperatures rise, Kansas City planners and environmental experts are trying harder to make these hot spots cooler. Plus: Missouri hasn't just outlawed abortion — it's also funding anti-abortion organizations that are working in neighboring states.

Bluejacket is the third Overland Park pool to close since 2013, leaving the city with four pools to serve nearly 200,000 people. Like many cities, it's shifting from smaller public neighborhood pools to larger aquatic centers — essentially mini water parks.