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Boston Globe
10 hours ago
- Climate
- Boston Globe
Heat dome will blanket much of the US, with worrisome temperatures in Midwest
'A lot of those folks have been saying, where's summer? Well, buckle up, because it's coming,' said Kines. The humid conditions will make places that exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit feel as much as 20 degrees hotter, said Kines. In Boston, highs in the mid- to upper 90s are forecast for Monday and Tuesday. Advertisement A heat dome occurs when a large area of high pressure in the upper atmosphere acts as a reservoir that traps heat and humidity, said Ricky Castro, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Illinois. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up According to the NWS Weather Prediction Center, daytime temperatures will be in the 90s Fahrenheit and overnight temperatures will only drop to the mid-70s Fahrenheit from the Great Lakes to the East Coast during the heat wave that's expected to last into next week. Moisture blown northward from the Gulf of Mexico is fueling the muggy weather, said Jacob Asherman, a Weather Prediction Center meteorologist. This influx of moisture is fairly typical during late spring and summer, he said. The Gulf, which shares borders with Mexico and the US, was renamed by President Trump to the Gulf of America. Advertisement The heat will be widespread into next week. On Friday, Denver could reach 100 degrees, according to the weather service. Chicago temperatures could reach 96 on Sunday. On Tuesday, Washington, D.C., could see a high of 99 and New York Central Park could reach 96. Several states in the Midwest could see dangerous temperature impacts over the weekend, according to a weather service measure that rates the risk from zero to four. Parts of Nebraska and Kansas will be in the highest category on the scale on Saturday, meaning that anyone without effective cooling or sufficient hydration could face health risks. On Sunday, Iowa, Wisconsin, Missouri, and Illinois also see a category 4 rating. Humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air, and the heat index is what the temperature feels like when the humidity outside is factored in, according to the weather service. When humans sweat, it cools the body down because it absorbs and removes heat as it evaporates off the skin. The air is saturated with water on humid days, which makes it harder for sweat to evaporate. Hot and humid days can be dangerous when the body is unable to cool itself off and can exacerbate pre-existing health conditions and even lead to heat stroke. Minimizing direct sun exposure, wearing loose and light-colored clothing, staying hydrated, and spending time in air-conditioned spaces are ways to cool down during extreme heat, according to the NWS. Some parts of the US, such as Phoenix, Ariz., are famously hot without the mugginess. Phoenix and nearby desert regions experience this so-called 'dry heat' due to being located far away from large water bodies, mountains that block moist air masses, and weather patterns that bring scarce precipitation. Advertisement Sweat evaporates faster in dry climates compared to humid ones. This can be dangerous because it is easy to underestimate how dehydrated you are, according to Johns Hopkins University and Johns Hopkins Health System. In places such as Iowa, crops can affect the humidity in summer months. Plants feel the effects of hot weather and some people in the Midwest are familiar with " corn sweat," which is when crops move water to their leaves and other surfaces so it can evaporate, according to the Ohio State University. Madison County, Iowa, farmer Ryan Marquardt said corn sweat is 'not as bad as a sauna, but it definitely would have a sauna effect. It's humid in there (the cornfield), so you're gonna sweat.'

a day ago
- Climate
Heat dome will blanket much of the US, with worrisome temperatures in Midwest
Summer will make a dramatic entrance in the U.S. this week with a heat dome that will bring stifling temperatures and uncomfortable humidity to millions. The heat will be particularly worrisome this weekend across wide stretches of Nebraska, Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa, where forecasters are warning of extreme temperature impacts. This will be the first stretch of true summertime weather for many from Midwest to the East Coast, said Tom Kines, a meteorologist at the private weather company AccuWeather. 'A lot of those folks have been saying, where's summer? Well, buckle up, because it's coming,' said Kines. The humid conditions will make places that exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius) feel as much as 20 degrees hotter, said Kines. A heat dome occurs when a large area of high pressure in the upper atmosphere acts as a reservoir that traps heat and humidity, said Ricky Castro, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Illinois. According to the NWS Weather Prediction Center, daytime temperatures will be in the 90s Fahrenheit (30s Celsius) and overnight temperatures will only drop to the mid-70s Fahrenheit (mid-20s Celsius) from the Great Lakes to the East Coast during the heat wave that's expected to last into next week. Moisture blown northward from the Gulf of Mexico is fueling the muggy weather, said Jacob Asherman, a Weather Prediction Center meteorologist. This influx of Gulf moisture is fairly typical during late spring and summer, he said. The heat will be widespread into next week. On Friday, Denver could reach 100°F (38°C), according to the weather service. Chicago temperatures could reach 96 degrees (36°C) on Sunday. On Tuesday, Washington, D.C., could see a high of 99°F (37°C) and New York Central Park could reach 96°F (36°C). Several states in the Midwest could see dangerous temperature impacts over the weekend, according to a weather service measure. Parts of Nebraska and Kansas will be in the highest of four categories on the scale on Saturday, meaning that anyone without effective cooling or sufficient hydration could face health risks. On Sunday, Iowa, Wisconsin, Missouri and Illinois also see a category 4 rating. Humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air, and the heat index is what the temperature feels like when the humidity outside is factored in, according to the weather service. When humans sweat, it cools the body down because it absorbs and removes heat as it evaporates off the skin. The air is saturated with water on humid days, which makes it harder for sweat to evaporate. Hot and humid days can be dangerous when the body is unable to cool itself off and can exacerbate pre-existing health conditions and even lead to heat stroke. Minimizing direct sun exposure, wearing loose and light-colored clothing, staying hydrated and spending time in air-conditioned spaces are ways to cool down during extreme heat, according to the NWS. Some parts of the U.S., such as Phoenix, Arizona, are famously hot without the mugginess. Phoenix and nearby desert regions experience this so-called 'dry heat' due to being located far away from large water bodies, mountains that block moist air masses and weather patterns that bring scarce precipitation. Sweat evaporates faster in dry climates compared to humid ones. This can be dangerous because it is easy to underestimate how dehydrated you are, according to Johns Hopkins University and Johns Hopkins Health System. In places such as Iowa, crops can affect the humidity in summer months. Plants feel the effects of hot weather and some people in the Midwest are familiar with ' corn sweat,' which is when crops move water to their leaves and other surfaces so it can evaporate, according to the Ohio State University. Madison County, Iowa, farmer Ryan Marquardt said corn sweat is 'not as bad as a sauna, but it definitely would have a sauna effect. It's humid in there (the cornfield), so you're gonna sweat.' Cornfield contributions to the overall humidity are much lower compared to the humidity winds carry from the Gulf of Mexico, according to OSU. ___


Winnipeg Free Press
2 days ago
- Climate
- Winnipeg Free Press
Heat dome will blanket much of the US, with worrisome temperatures in Midwest
Summer will make a dramatic entrance in the U.S. this week with a heat dome that will bring stifling temperatures and uncomfortable humidity to millions. The heat will be particularly worrisome this weekend across wide stretches of Nebraska, Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa, where forecasters are warning of extreme temperature impacts. This will be the first stretch of true summertime weather for many from Midwest to the East Coast, said Tom Kines, a meteorologist at the private weather company AccuWeather. 'A lot of those folks have been saying, where's summer? Well, buckle up, because it's coming,' said Kines. The humid conditions will make places that exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius) feel as much as 20 degrees hotter, said Kines. Heat dome forming A heat dome occurs when a large area of high pressure in the upper atmosphere acts as a reservoir that traps heat and humidity, said Ricky Castro, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Illinois. According to the NWS Weather Prediction Center, daytime temperatures will be in the 90s Fahrenheit (30s Celsius) and overnight temperatures will only drop to the mid-70s Fahrenheit (mid-20s Celsius) from the Great Lakes to the East Coast during the heat wave that's expected to last into next week. Moisture blown northward from the Gulf of Mexico is fueling the muggy weather, said Jacob Asherman, a Weather Prediction Center meteorologist. This influx of Gulf moisture is fairly typical during late spring and summer, he said. The heat will be widespread into next week. On Friday, Denver could reach 100°F (38°C), according to the weather service. Chicago temperatures could reach 96 degrees (36°C) on Sunday. On Tuesday, Washington, D.C., could see a high of 99°F (37°C) and New York Central Park could reach 96°F (36°C). Several states in the Midwest could see dangerous temperature impacts over the weekend, according to a weather service measure. Parts of Nebraska and Kansas will be in the highest of four categories on the scale on Saturday, meaning that anyone without effective cooling or sufficient hydration could face health risks. On Sunday, Iowa, Wisconsin, Missouri and Illinois also see a category 4 rating. High humidity makes it hard to cool down Humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air, and the heat index is what the temperature feels like when the humidity outside is factored in, according to the weather service. When humans sweat, it cools the body down because it absorbs and removes heat as it evaporates off the skin. The air is saturated with water on humid days, which makes it harder for sweat to evaporate. Hot and humid days can be dangerous when the body is unable to cool itself off and can exacerbate pre-existing health conditions and even lead to heat stroke. Minimizing direct sun exposure, wearing loose and light-colored clothing, staying hydrated and spending time in air-conditioned spaces are ways to cool down during extreme heat, according to the NWS. Some parts of the U.S., such as Phoenix, Arizona, are famously hot without the mugginess. Phoenix and nearby desert regions experience this so-called 'dry heat' due to being located far away from large water bodies, mountains that block moist air masses and weather patterns that bring scarce precipitation. Sweat evaporates faster in dry climates compared to humid ones. This can be dangerous because it is easy to underestimate how dehydrated you are, according to Johns Hopkins University and Johns Hopkins Health System. Even the crops 'sweat' In places such as Iowa, crops can affect the humidity in summer months. Plants feel the effects of hot weather and some people in the Midwest are familiar with ' corn sweat,' which is when crops move water to their leaves and other surfaces so it can evaporate, according to the Ohio State University. Madison County, Iowa, farmer Ryan Marquardt said corn sweat is 'not as bad as a sauna, but it definitely would have a sauna effect. It's humid in there (the cornfield), so you're gonna sweat.' Cornfield contributions to the overall humidity are much lower compared to the humidity winds carry from the Gulf of Mexico, according to OSU. ___ Associated Press writer Jack Dura in Bismarck, North Dakota, contributed to this report. ___ The Associated Press' climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP's standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at


Newsweek
27-05-2025
- Climate
- Newsweek
Some People in Florida Advised To Stay Inside Amid Warning of Saharan Dust
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Floridians who are sensitive to poor air quality might want to limit their outdoor activity or consider staying inside this week as a Saharan dust plume moves into the state. Why It Matters The influx of Saharan dust can directly impact public health and daily life in Florida, especially for those with asthma, chronic respiratory diseases, and allergies. Elevated particle concentrations can trigger breathing problems, sore throats, and eye irritation. The plume's presence is also expected to temporarily suppress hurricane development, which could be a mixed blessing ahead of the Atlantic storm season, which is set to begin on June 1. What To Know The Saharan Air Layer originates in Africa's Sahara Desert and is carried westward by powerful winds across the Atlantic Ocean, often reaching as far as the Caribbean, Florida, and the Gulf Coast. Each summer, the dust travels over 5,000 miles, typically peaking from June through mid-August. A Florida sunset is seen amid a Sahara dust storm on June 30, 2020. A Florida sunset is seen amid a Sahara dust storm on June 30, 2020. Johnny Louis/Getty National guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Weather Service (NWS) says that exposure to elevated dust levels can aggravate asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and allergies. Eyes, nasal passages, and throats may also become irritated, and vulnerable groups—including children, the elderly, and people with heart or lung conditions—face increased risks. The dust cloud is particularly strong in the Caribbean, where the health guidance advises limiting time outdoors, especially during highest dust concentration. People are urged to keep windows and doors closed, use air purifiers with HEPA filters and wear masks—preferably dust or surgical masks—if time outdoors cannot be avoided. While the dust degrades air quality, it also can suppress hurricane activity. NWS Weather Prediction Center meteorologist David Roth told Newsweek the dust can make it more difficult for showers and thunderstorms to form. The dust also can make the sky appear whiter, Roth said. People also should be cognizant of heat, as the dust can make it feel hotter, Roth said. What People Are Saying NWS Weather Prediction Center meteorologist David Roth told Newsweek: "Any particulate in the air, especially if it's above 80 lower air quality. Usually it won't be unhealthy for the general population, but if you're sensitive to a decrease in air quality, you should stay indoors." Wokil Bam, an assistant professor at the University of Southern Mississippi, posted on X, formerly Twitter: "Saharan dust is a fascinating natural phenomenon! Every year, strong winds lift massive amounts of dust from the Sahara Desert and carry it across the Atlantic Ocean, sometimes reaching as far as the Americas: Saharan dust is headed to Florida. It travels to the Sunshine State each summer, causing hazy skies, colorful sunsets, and lower air quality. The dry, dusty air can weaken or block hurricane formation." What Happens Next Roth said the Saharan dust conditions will likely persist for at least the next few days. People who are sensitive to poor air quality are encouraged to follow air quality forecasts as the dust persists across the region.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Tornado touches down in Wisconsin as strong storms that ripped across central U.S. head east
Severe thunderstorms rolled across the central U.S. on Monday, producing damaging winds, large hailstones and at least one tornado. And the system is forecast to bring the same threats to more than 50 million Americans from Texas to New York on Tuesday. According to the National Weather Service, a confirmed tornado touched down near Augusta, Wis., southeast of Eau Claire, on Monday night. There were no immediate reports of injuries, and the weather service said that it was sending crews to assess damage. Tornado watches and warnings had been issued for parts of Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota and Wisconsin as a line of strong thunderstorms moved through the area. The weather service's Storm Prediction Center had put the risk of severe storms in the Twin Cities area at a level 4 out of 5, with tornadoes, hail and damaging winds likely. Large hail was seen across parts of Minnesota, and at least one tornado was reported, but the state was largely spared. The storms were part of a 'multiday outbreak' of severe weather that could affect tens of millions of Americans from the southern Plains to the Northeast. According to the NWS Weather Prediction Center, heavy to excessive rainfall was forecast for parts of northern Texas into the Ozarks today and Wednesday. 'Locally catastrophic flooding will be possible across portions of southwest Oklahoma,' the forecast said. 'Scattered severe thunderstorms are possible from the lower Great Lakes to the southern High Plains this afternoon and evening.' More tornado watches and warnings were issued early Tuesday, this time in northern Texas, northeast Oklahoma and northwest Arkansas. The alerts were set to expire by midmorning. Meanwhile, portions of the Ohio Valley and Northeast were also at risk of large hailstones, damaging winds and isolated tornadoes on Tuesday as the system that pummeled the central U.S. shifts east. Among the cities that could see serious impacts: Buffalo, N.Y., Cincinnati, Cleveland, Detroit and Pittsburgh. On Wednesday, a second system capable of producing severe weather will enter the Plains, with millions of people from northern Texas to southern Missouri bracing for large hailstones, damaging winds and tornadoes.