The heat is on

Posted: 07.18.2012 at 11:18 PM

The drought's effecting everything from river levels, to livestock.

The Army Corp of Engineers said the Missouri River is just over five and a half feet.

Barge traffic in Mid-Missouri hasn't been effected.

Despite the low river level, Missouri American Water said they aren't having a water shortage and it's actually good for business, "Well, actually, we are just selling a little more water, we're able to meet the demands", spokesman, Gilbert Cole said.

That's thanks to a new intake station that went online earlier this year.

But in Cole County, Water Districts one and two have voluntary restrictions in place.

If you have to water your lawn they ask that you do it between 12 a.m and 5 a.m.

Districts three and four don't have restrictions.

Cattle farmers are already feeding with hay because the grass isn't growing.

The dry grass isn't only a problem in pastures, fire officials are also urging caution in these extreme conditions, "Even a cigarette at this time of year being flipped out of a moving vehicle along a roadway is a hazardous condition...”, Division Chief Jason Turner said.

Jefferson City fire crews responded to several heat related incidents.

Turner said you can avoid a trip to the emergency room with a few simple tips, "Take breaks, make sure you stay hydrated, check on your neighbors, check on the elderly and the young those are the people we worry about most..."