By Cambree Miller
A prolonged heat wave has brought dangerously high temperatures to the Kansas City area, prompting several Anderson County High School sports teams to move practices to the morning.
The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Warning for the Kansas City area through 8 p.m. Sept. 8. Temperatures are expected to remain in the upper 90’s during much of the heat wave, with heat index values reaching as high as 105 degrees.
The heat is expected to continue through at least Sept. 9. The National Weather Service forecasts a high near 100 degrees Sept. 8 and 99 degrees Sept. 9. Some relief is expected Sept. 10, when the high is forecast to drop to around 92 degrees.
Because of the heat, cheer, football and cross country have held morning practices to avoid the hottest part of the day. Although the earlier schedule means waking up before school, several athletes said they prefer it.
Junior Rayna Kuhlman, who participates in cheer and cross country, said she prefers morning practices even though she is not a morning person. Practicing early gives her more time after school to complete homework and relax.
Sophomore Gunner Grodenger, who plays football, also prefers morning practices. He said he likes having more free time after school instead of staying for practice and getting home around 6 p.m.
Sophomore Kaylee Feuerborn, who participates in cheer and cross country, said one of the biggest advantages is the cooler weather. She also likes being able to go home sooner instead of practicing during the hottest part of the afternoon.
For athletes adjusting to the early alarms, morning practices offer a trade-off: an earlier start to the day, but cooler temperatures and more free time after school.
THE BULLDOG BARKER BLOG 