Heat Wave Hits 15 States

Jul 11, 2011, 17:27 by Sarah Long

A growing heat wave may reach dangerous levels in 15 states around the Midwest, the Plains and the Southeast this week, CNN reports.

Heat advisories warn that these states may see temperatures reach over 105 degrees Fahrenheit.

Kansas City and St. Louis in Missouri are under an excessive heat warning, along with Tulsa, Oklahoma; Memphis, Tennessee; and Evansville, Indiana, CNN reports. In these areas, the heat index will reach between 110 and 115 degrees this week.

The advisories and warnings will remain in effect until at least Tuesday.

Some relief is expected by mid-week as the high pressure system weakens and shifts slightly southeast, according to CNN.

Record high temperatures have been set from Texas to Missouri for over a week, Contributor Network reports. The temperature hit 101 degrees in Springfield and 105 in Joplin, the hottest date on record for July 10. Back in early June, record highs were set in Joplin in the lower 90s.