The latest local news, weather and high school sports in and around Columbia and Jefferson City

A heat advisory is in effect for Benton, Camden, Miller, Morgan and Pettis counties until 7 p.m. Thursday.

Very hot and slowly increasing humidity levels will surge back into western Missouri and southwest Missouri for the next several days. Southwesterly winds will help transport hot and moist air into the region on Wednesday.

Afternoon heat indexes will reach between 100 to 108 degrees on Wednesday and Thursday over the affected areas and between 100 to 105 degrees over the area on Friday. Slightly lower heat index readings are expected on Friday.

A heat advisory means that a period of hot temperatures is expected. The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will create a situation in which heat illnesses are possible.

Some tips: drink plenty of water, avoid caffeinated, alcoholic or high-sugar beverages. Stay in an air-conditioned room and out of the sun. Check up on neighbors, the elderly and pets.