A widespread period of dangerous heat is expected to affect large portions of the central United States through next week into the July 4 weekend.

National Weather Service offices across the country have issued Heat Advisories and Extreme Heat Watches covering parts of Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota.

Heat indices of over 38°C (100°F) across many locations, while several areas could experience peak values between 41 and 43°C (105 and 110°F).

Kansas

Heat Advisories are in effect from 13:00 CDT Sunday, June 28, until 21:00 CDT Wednesday, July 1, across central, east-central, south-central, and southeast Kansas, where heat index values of 38 to 41°C (100 to 105°F) are forecast.

An Extreme Heat Watch covers north-central, northeast, and east-central Kansas from Sunday afternoon through Tuesday evening, June 30, with peak heat index values potentially reaching 42°C (108°F). Eastern Kansas, including areas near the Missouri border, is also included in a broader Extreme Heat Watch covering adjacent portions of Missouri through Tuesday evening.

Illinois and Missouri

Heat Advisories cover broad areas of southern, central, and western Illinois together with central, eastern, northeastern, southeastern, and western Missouri from Sunday afternoon through Thursday night, where daily heat index values above 38°C (100°F) are expected. These advisories will be effective between 12:00 and 13:00 CDT on Sunday, June 28, and remain in effect until either 20:00 CDT or 00:00 CDT Friday, July 3, depending on the forecast area.

Meanwhile, an Extreme Heat Watch is in effect for the St. Louis metropolitan region—including Madison, Monroe, and St. Clair counties in Illinois and Jefferson, St. Charles, St. Louis County, and St. Louis City in Missouri—from Sunday afternoon, June 28, through Thursday evening, July 2, where heat index values of 41 to 43°C (105 to 110°F) are possible. Additional Extreme Heat Watches cover northeast Missouri and portions of western Illinois from Sunday afternoon through Tuesday evening, June 30.

Iowa

Heat Advisories begin at 13:00 CDT Sunday, June 28, across northwest, west-central, and southwest Iowa. Depending on location, the advisories remain in effect until either 21:00 CDT Monday, June 29, or 21:00 CDT Tuesday, June 30, with forecast heat index values generally ranging from 39 to 41°C (103 to 105°F).

Much of Iowa is also under an Extreme Heat Watch from Sunday afternoon through Tuesday evening, June 30, while southwest Iowa is included in a separate watch for the Omaha metropolitan area, where heat index values may approach 42°C (108°F).

Nebraska and South Dakota

Heat Advisories will start going into effect at 13:00 CDT Sunday, June 28, across Nebraska. Advisories for eastern and southeastern Nebraska remain in effect until 21:00 CDT Tuesday, June 30, while Cedar and Knox counties in northeast Nebraska are under a shorter-duration advisory until 21:00 CDT Sunday.

In southeast South Dakota, most advisories remain in effect from 13:00 CDT Sunday until 21:00 CDT Monday, although Bon Homme, Hanson, Hutchinson, and McCook counties are under a one-day advisory ending at 21:00 CDT Sunday.

Heat index values are expected to reach 39 to 41°C (103 to 105°F). Douglas and Sarpy counties in Nebraska, together with adjacent counties in southwest Iowa, are also under an Extreme Heat Watch from Sunday afternoon through Tuesday evening, June 30, where heat index values may reach 42°C (108°F).

Nebraska quarterback commit Trae Taylor has won the Elite 11 MVP after strong performances at the Elite 11 Finals last month and The Opening Finals this week in Beaverton, Oregon. 

Taylor was named one of the Elite 11 following the Elite 11 Finals last month, earning an invitation to return for The Opening Finals this week to continue competing for the Elite 11 MVP. 

Following two days of competition, Taylor has been named Elite 11 MVP joining a prestigious group. Over the last decade, the likes of Tua Tagovailoa, Justin Fields, CJ Stroud, Caleb Williams, Cade Klubnik, Julian Sayin, Keelon Russell and Dia Bell are among the quarterbacks that have earned Elite 11 MVP honors. 

Now officially the Elite 11 MVP, Taylor is well-positioned to climb in the next 2027 Rivals300 rankings update. He’s had a strong offseason overall, building off a junior season in which he threw for 3,571 yards and 38 touchdowns to just three interceptions, completing a stunning 81.7% of his pass attempts. He added another 633 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground, leading Mundelein (Ill.) Carmel Catholic to an 8-3 record. He’s transferred down to Omaha (Neb.) Millard South for his senior season and is already impressing with the Patriots. Earlier this month, Taylor led Millard South to the NebPreps 7v7 State Championship over Omaha (Neb.) Westside. 

Here’s what Charles Power, On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings, wrote about Taylor coming out of the Elite 11 Finals 

Trae Taylor had an excellent performance at the Elite 11 Finals from start to finish, stringing together three very strong showings throughout the weekend. The Nebraska commit was the Rivals MVP of day one, flashing a big-time arm, showing the ability to drive the football to all levels of the field during drill work. He continued to show that plus arm talent during his pro day and was aggressive downfield, targeting high-level throws. He capped off the weekend with a seven-touchdown performance in the 7-on-7 period, making a litany of high-difficulty throws. He attacked the seam, was super aggressive hunting huge downfield completions. The ability to attack all levels with his arm strength, combined with a big-play mentality. Taylor was quick through his progressions and looked very comfortable in the 7-n-7 setting, which isn’t a huge surprise given his experience. The confidence and command was impressive. We also thought Taylor looked comfortable working under center. This is an exclamation on a strong offseason for Taylor, which has seen him make encouraging improvements to his overall game. We’re eager to see what he does as a senior this season at Millard South in Nebraska.

Members only · one like per member

LINCOLN, Neb. (WOWT) – On this day 154 years ago, the University of Nebraska held its first commencement ceremony — without any graduates.

The university was founded three years before the ceremony.

In place of diplomas, the university presented an honorary doctorate to the Rev. Bishop Clarkson of Omaha.

It wasn’t until the following year that the first students graduated from the university.

By the end of the 1870s, graduation had become a week of celebrations.

MORE LOCAL HISTORY

—

On July 4, 2026, our country will celebrate its 250th birthday. Every day leading up to it, First Alert 6 will take a look at the people and events that shaped our area.

—

Get a first alert to severe weather approaching your area. Download the First Alert 6 Weather app.