Latest news with #MississippiValley
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Map shows which states are facing dangerous heat
Multiple states are under extreme heat warnings, advisories or watches on Wednesday, July 23 due to a heat dome that is expected to slowly spread east, according to the National Weather Service. The NWS said the remainder of the week features a "strengthening heat dome over the Mississippi Valley today that gradually builds east towards the East Coast by week's end." The weather service said a combination of mid-upper 90s temperatures and humid conditions are a recipe for "oppressive heat indices that range between 110-115 degrees for many areas along and east of the Mississippi River" on Wednesday. By Thursday, July 24, the NWS says the footprint of heat is expected to move east into the Great Lakes and Northeast regions. "While this is not really a record-breaking air mass in terms of high temperatures, some towns and cities will struggle to drop below 80 degrees at night due to the high humidity levels and retention of heat by vast areas of concrete and pavement," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Brett Anderson said Wednesday. "For those that only have a fan or open window to keep cool, sleeping will be difficult for some, with a high risk of dehydration." AccuWeather says temperatures will reach 100 degrees from Texas to western Tennessee "just about every day" for the next week or two. See which areas are facing heat and humidity this week. Heat wave affects nearly 100 million: Heat advisories abound as almost 100 million Americans face 'ridiculous' temps National heat index map: See which states feel hottest The map below identifies areas where the heat index is forecasted to reach NWS-defined levels from "Caution" (80 degrees Fahrenheit) to "Extreme Danger" (above 125 degrees). The heat index measures how hot it actually feels when factoring for humidity. Prolonged exposure to a heat index above 80 degrees can lead to fatigue, as previously reported by USA TODAY. As it gets hotter, the risk continues to increase − potentially resulting in heat stroke or even death. Older adults, children, and outdoor workers are generally at higher risk of heat-related incidents. What is an extreme heat advisory? The weather service issues an Extreme Heat Warning when "extremely dangerous" heat conditions are expected or occurring. People in those areas are urged to avoid outdoor activities, especially during the heat of the day, and to check on family and neighbors. An Extreme Heat Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for an extreme heat event but its occurrence and timing are uncertain. People are warned to suspend all major outdoor activities if a warning is issued. What is a heat dome? Heat dome is not actually a scientific term, according to which says the term does effectively describe the "oppressive" high-pressure atmospheric systems that cause warm air to be pushed to the Earth's surface and trapped there for long periods of time. "The dome traps high-pressure air in one place, like the lid on a pot," the website says. "These large zones of hot air result in a combination of blistering temperatures, devastating wildfires, and drought conditions." Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY. You can follow him on X @GabeHauari or email him at Gdhauari@ This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Heat index map: See which states will be the hottest today Solve the daily Crossword
CNN
6 days ago
- Climate
- CNN
Tracking heat: Here's where it will feel like 110 degrees
Dangerous heat is peaking today for millions in the central United States as a heat dome in summer's hottest month lives up to its reputation — but sauna-like conditions are only just beginning for areas farther east. The heat index — how hot it actually feels given the temperature and humidity — will top out in the 100s from the Gulf Coast to the Midwest Thursday afternoon while it soars above 110 degrees in some parts of the Mississippi Valley. Memphis, Tennessee, had its hottest day of the year so far on Wednesday with a high of 97 degrees and a heat index of at least 106 degrees. The city could match that intense heat Thursday while just south in Greenville, Mississippi, the heat index could hit 110 degrees. Farther north, Chicago's high temperature of 94 degrees could come within a degree of its hottest day so far this year. That same roasting summer heat started creeping into the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast Thursday. High temperatures in the 90s are likely Thursday afternoon as far north as Burlington, Vermont – located about 30 miles from the Canadian border. The worst heat for the East arrives Friday with high temperatures in the middle to upper 90s expected from Washington, DC, to Boston. These temperatures are up to 10 degrees higher than the typical hottest conditions for this time of year and could challenge the high temperature record for the day in Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York City. The heat index will reach or surpass 100 degrees for many major metros: Washington, DC, and Philadelphia will feel more like 105 degrees Friday afternoon and Baltimore will feel nearly 110 degrees at times. Heat remains the deadliest form of extreme weather in the US. Globally, heat waves are becoming more frequent, more severe and lasting longer as the world warms due to fossil fuel-driven climate change. More than 60 million people in the eastern half of the US are under at least a Level 3 of 4 'major' heat risk on Thursday, with that total jumping to more than 90 million on Friday, according to the National Weather Service. Heat this severe impacts anyone without access to effective cooling or proper hydration, not just vulnerable populations, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. And for those without air conditioning, staying indoors can become deadly during the hottest parts of the day, the agency warns. Humid conditions will also prevent temperatures from cooling significantly overnight. It could still be close to 80 degrees in Washington, DC, by sunrise Saturday — nearly 10 degrees higher than a typical low for late July. When overnight temperatures don't cool down enough to offer relief for overheated bodies, people are at greater risk for heat-related illnesses. Nighttime temperatures are taking the hardest hit from climate change, warming faster than daytime highs. Climate change is making this week's heat wave at least three times more likely for nearly 160 million people, almost half the US population, when compared with a world without fossil fuel emissions, according to an analysis from the climate research nonprofit Climate Central. The heat dome will shrink Saturday, replaced by more typical, though still very toasty, late July conditions parts of the Northeast and Midwest. Sweltering heat will persist through the weekend, mainly in southern parts of the Ohio Valley and Mid-Atlantic on Saturday and in portions of the Southeast Sunday. That general trend of a hotter-than-normal South is expected to continue through next week, according to the latest Climate Prediction Center forecasts. CNN Meteorologist Briana Waxman and CNN's Luke Snyder contributed to this report.
CNN
6 days ago
- Climate
- CNN
Tracking heat: Here's where it will feel like 110 degrees
Dangerous heat is peaking today for millions in the central United States as a heat dome in summer's hottest month lives up to its reputation — but sauna-like conditions are only just beginning for areas farther east. The heat index — how hot it actually feels given the temperature and humidity — will top out in the 100s from the Gulf Coast to the Midwest Thursday afternoon while it soars above 110 degrees in some parts of the Mississippi Valley. Memphis, Tennessee, had its hottest day of the year so far on Wednesday with a high of 97 degrees and a heat index of at least 106 degrees. The city could match that intense heat Thursday while just south in Greenville, Mississippi, the heat index could hit 110 degrees. Farther north, Chicago's high temperature of 94 degrees could come within a degree of its hottest day so far this year. That same roasting summer heat started creeping into the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast Thursday. High temperatures in the 90s are likely Thursday afternoon as far north as Burlington, Vermont – located about 30 miles from the Canadian border. The worst heat for the East arrives Friday with high temperatures in the middle to upper 90s expected from Washington, DC, to Boston. These temperatures are up to 10 degrees higher than the typical hottest conditions for this time of year and could challenge the high temperature record for the day in Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York City. The heat index will reach or surpass 100 degrees for many major metros: Washington, DC, and Philadelphia will feel more like 105 degrees Friday afternoon and Baltimore will feel nearly 110 degrees at times. Heat remains the deadliest form of extreme weather in the US. Globally, heat waves are becoming more frequent, more severe and lasting longer as the world warms due to fossil fuel-driven climate change. More than 60 million people in the eastern half of the US are under at least a Level 3 of 4 'major' heat risk on Thursday, with that total jumping to more than 90 million on Friday, according to the National Weather Service. Heat this severe impacts anyone without access to effective cooling or proper hydration, not just vulnerable populations, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. And for those without air conditioning, staying indoors can become deadly during the hottest parts of the day, the agency warns. Humid conditions will also prevent temperatures from cooling significantly overnight. It could still be close to 80 degrees in Washington, DC, by sunrise Saturday — nearly 10 degrees higher than a typical low for late July. When overnight temperatures don't cool down enough to offer relief for overheated bodies, people are at greater risk for heat-related illnesses. Nighttime temperatures are taking the hardest hit from climate change, warming faster than daytime highs. Climate change is making this week's heat wave at least three times more likely for nearly 160 million people, almost half the US population, when compared with a world without fossil fuel emissions, according to an analysis from the climate research nonprofit Climate Central. The heat dome will shrink Saturday, replaced by more typical, though still very toasty, late July conditions parts of the Northeast and Midwest. Sweltering heat will persist through the weekend, mainly in southern parts of the Ohio Valley and Mid-Atlantic on Saturday and in portions of the Southeast Sunday. That general trend of a hotter-than-normal South is expected to continue through next week, according to the latest Climate Prediction Center forecasts. CNN Meteorologist Briana Waxman and CNN's Luke Snyder contributed to this report.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Millions under threat of extreme heat. Do you live in the 'danger' zone? See heat map
While Texas bakes under sweltering conditions, it's far from alone. Millions are under threat of extreme heat this week, as experts warn that temperatures will reach triple digits almost daily for the next few weeks. Extreme heat warnings, advisories and watches are in effect across several states Wednesday, July 23, as a powerful heat dome tightens its grip over the Mississippi Valley. The National Weather Service says the dome will slowly expand eastward through the week, pushing dangerous temperatures and stifling humidity into new regions. In many areas along and east of the Mississippi River, heat index values could soar to between 110 and 115 degrees — the kind of oppressive heat that can quickly turn dangerous without proper precautions. By Thursday, July 24, the dome's reach is expected to stretch into the Great Lakes and Northeast, bringing the intense summer scorch with it. "While this is not really a record-breaking air mass in terms of high temperatures, some towns and cities will struggle to drop below 80 degrees at night due to the high humidity levels and retention of heat by vast areas of concrete and pavement," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Brett Anderson said Wednesday. "For those that only have a fan or open window to keep cool, sleeping will be difficult for some, with a high risk of dehydration." And in Texas, summer doesn't just hit harder — it sticks around longer. The first 90-degree days are arriving earlier, and stretches of triple-digit heat are lasting longer than ever, a USA TODAY analysis found. National heat index map: How hot is it in your city? The map below identifies areas where the heat index is forecasted to reach NWS-defined levels from "Caution" (80 degrees Fahrenheit) to "Extreme Danger" (above 125 degrees). The heat index measures how hot it actually feels when factoring for humidity. Prolonged exposure to a heat index above 80 degrees can lead to fatigue, as previously reported by USA TODAY. As it gets hotter, the risk continues to increase − potentially resulting in heat stroke or even death. Older adults, children, and outdoor workers are generally at higher risk of heat-related incidents. Search the heat index in your area Is your city getting hotter? It's possible! You can check the heat index forecast here to find out! What's the difference between temperature and heat index? The temperature is the actual air reading — what a thermometer records in the shade. The heat index, on the other hand, represents what it feels like to the human body when both temperature and humidity are factored in, according to the National Weather Service. When humidity is high, sweat doesn't evaporate as easily, making it harder for your body to cool down. That's why the heat index is often higher than the air temperature, and why it's used to gauge the risk of heat-related illness. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Extreme heat scorches US. Are you in the 'danger' zone? See map Solve the daily Crossword
CNET
7 days ago
- Climate
- CNET
A Sweltering Heat Dome Is Pummeling the Middle of the US. Here's What That Means
You've probably heard of the heat index, and you might be aware of the National Weather Service's HeatRisk tool, but do you know what a heat dome is? If not, it's the perfect time to learn -- nearly a third of the US is about to be exposed to temperatures above 100 degrees because of one. The NWS has issued a bulletin warning that 100-degree temperatures will likely hit residents in the middle of the US today. The cause for that thermometer spike is a growing heat dome in the Mississippi Valley that should expand to the northeast by the end of the week, potentially affecting more than 100 million people, per Accuweather. If "heat dome" is a new term for you, keep reading and I'll break down what it means and what causes it. For more help this summer, check out CNET's top 10 hacks for keeping your home cool in the summer or learn how to recognize the early signs of heatstroke. What is a heat dome? Think of a heat dome as similar to putting a lid on a pot or a frying pan while cooking something, Alex Lamers of the National Weather Service told NPR. A heat dome is what happens when a high-pressure system lingers, causing hot air to become trapped under it, resulting in prolonged temperature spikes. Just like how putting a lid on a pot or pan traps the heat and cooks the food faster. Except in this case, the food is you and me. This is made worse by the fact that high pressure systems are known to cause dry weather, which can also contribute to hotter temperatures. According to the heat map provided on the National Integrated Heat Health Information System's official website, heat risks are elevated for most of the country between the Midwest and Lower Mississippi Valley regions and the East Coast, with eastern North Carolina, central Virginia, the Pittsburgh area, southeast Pennsylvania, southeast Maryland, most of New Jersey and almost all of Delaware being under extreme heat warnings. In the hardest-hit areas, temperatures may go as high as 115 degrees, while others will hover between 95 and 100 degrees. All around, it's the kind of weather than can make the prospect of a power outage a life-or-death scenario. How long do heat domes last? I wish I had better news for you. Heat domes are known to last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on how long it takes for the high pressure system in a given region to move on or dissipate. There's no indication how long the current heat dome will last. Accuweather reports that it could even spread to the western US in early August. Does climate change make heat domes worse? Oh, absolutely. Speaking to Time Magazine for a report on the current heat wave, Bill Gallus, a professor of meteorology at Iowa State University, said that cause-and-effect question was "one of the easier (questions) to answer." Heat domes, he explained, are one of the more likely consequences of worsening climate change, even more so than other related weather events, such as increased tornadoes and stronger hurricanes. "There's so many things that are complicated and we can't say for sure what climate change is going to do, such as how many hurricanes or tornadoes we get," Gallus said. "But it is likely that we will have more heat domes and probably hotter temperatures in the heat domes." How to avoid heat domes As you might guess from these explanations so far, there's not much to do about a heat dome except get away from it. This might entail staying inside where it's cool or traveling to another place that isn't suffering under a high-pressure system. Maybe head out to the west coast, where my other CNET colleagues -- whom I am not jealous of and never have been, promise -- insist the weather is positively temperate. Hope you're all having fun out there, guys. Or hey, maybe try the old summertime standby and go see a movie in a nice air-conditioned theater. CNET's Aaron Pruner calls Superman a "punk rock delight," and that new F1 movie looks pretty neat too For more weather tips, check out CNET's guide to saving power during summer heat waves.
