July 4 will be hot, possibly rainy in the Ozarks. Here's how to stay safe

Thunderstorms and hot weather may put a damper on Fourth of July celebrations in Springfield this year, with the heat index expected to top 100 degrees Thursday, according to the National Weather Service .

The heat and humidity is expected to increase starting Tuesday. A heat advisory is in effect from noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday.

According to the forecast , there's a chance of rain during the day Thursday with thunderstorms possible after 1 p.m. With a high between 88 degrees Fahrenheit and 96 degrees, the additional humidity will have the heat index between 98 degrees and 108 degrees. In the evening, the lows will reach between 68 degrees and 71 degrees.

The heat index is measure of how hot it is going to feel when factoring in humidity, even though the actual temperature might be slightly lower. For example, if it is 94 degrees outside with 60% humidity, then it will feel like 110 degrees.

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Stay safe during July 4 activities

With the high temperatures this week, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and dehydration are possible. The NWS advises people to never leave kids or pets in cars, to check on elderly people who are more susceptible to the heat, and to drink water.

The Springfield-Greene County Health Department offers these tips to protect against heat-related illness:

• Drink plenty of water, even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid drinks that contain alcohol or caffeine. Also, avoid very cold drinks because they can cause stomach cramps.
• Avoid strenuous work or exercise outside during the hottest part of the day. If that is not practical, take frequent breaks and drink plenty of water.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
• Protect yourself from the sun with a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher (the most effective products say “broad spectrum” or “UVA/UVB protection” on their labels).
• Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle.

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However, heat isn't the only thing that can cause injury: People should also be careful with fireworks while celebrating the holiday.

The Missouri Division of Fire Safety offers these tips to keep consumers safe:

• Confirm fireworks are legal where you live and only purchase fireworks from licensed retailers;
• Only use fireworks in a large open space that has been cleared of flammable materials;
• Always keep young children away from fireworks;
• If teens are permitted to handle fireworks, they should be closely supervised by an adult;
• Always wear eye protection when handling fireworks;
• Make sure to have a garden hose or a bucket of water nearby in case of a fire;
• Only light fireworks one at a time;
• Never try to re-light fireworks that have malfunctioned;
• Dispose of fireworks by soaking them in water and leaving them in a trash can;
• Never shoot fireworks off from a glass jar or container;
• Never use fireworks while consuming alcohol;
• Never store fireworks from season to season.

Susan Szuch reports on health and food for the Springfield News-Leader. Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @szuchsm. Story idea? Email her at sszuch@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: July 4 will be hot, possibly rainy in the Ozarks. Here's how to stay safe