Latest news with #Southeast
Forbes
2 days ago
- Climate
- Forbes
Extreme Heat Warnings: Here's What To Know About Heat Wave Gripping Much Of U.S.
Millions of Americans are under heat alerts Monday as a heat wave brings triple-digit temperatures or heat indices to nearly half the continental United States, according to the National Weather Service—with the heat expected to impact the parts of the Southeast and the Mississippi river the hardest. Extreme heat warnings were issued for states along the Mississippi River and other parts of the ... More country, and temperatures in New York could reach into the 90s. AFP via Getty Images Extreme heat warnings—the NWS' highest level of heat alert—were issued for several states along the Mississippi River, including southern Illinois and Indiana, western Tennessee and Kentucky, southeastern Missouri, eastern Arkansas, and parts of Louisiana and Mississippi. Similar extreme heat warnings were issued for much of Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, as well as parts of Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Oklahoma, West Virginia, and Ohio. At least 15 more states were placed under heat advisories, the NWS said. Several regions could see the heat index—or what the temperature feels like when combined with humidity—rise well into the triple digits: coastal Georgia and South Carolina could see heat index values rise as high as 115 degrees, New Orleans could rise as high as 114 degrees, and parts of Mississippi and Louisiana could reach heat indices of 120 degrees. Much of the coastal Northeast is also under a heat advisory, with temperatures expected to reach the high 90s or lower 100s in New York City on Monday. Tampa, Florida, broke its all-time heat record Sunday afternoon when the mercury reached the 100 degree mark at Tampa International Airport for the first time ever. The city's previous record was 99 degrees, set in 2020. Forecasters are predicting the temperature to reach the high 90s or low 100s again Monday, with a heat index rising as high as 112 degrees. Leesburg, a city in central Florida north of Orlando, broke its heat record Sunday after reaching 100 degrees as well, and the rest of the region is bracing for more potentially record-breaking triple-digit temperatures Monday and Tuesday. Big Number At least 175 million. That's how many people are under heat advisories, according to an estimate by AccuWeather on Monday. In regions under the extreme heat warnings, the NWS recommends people stay out of the sun and in air conditioning. Limit exercise and "strenuous activity' to mornings and evenings, drink enough fluids, do not leave children or pets in cars, and check up on vulnerable family members and neighbors, the NWS says. Experts also warn Americans to monitor for signs of heat exhaustion—including heavy sweating, clammy skin and fainting. Heat stroke, a more severe condition that occurs after the body reaches an internal temperature above 103 degrees, is a major danger during heat waves, and can cause a rapid pulse, headaches, dizziness, nausea and fainting. When Will The Heat Wave End? Forecasters are predicting much-needed relief for much of the affected areas by the second half of the week, with many of the extreme heat warnings expiring by 8 p.m. on Wednesday or 6 a.m. on Thursday. A cold front will push over a large portion of the country next week, according to forecasters at the Weather Channel, and cooler-than-average temperatures are more likely than extreme heat in much of the Northeast and Midwest in the next 6-10 days, according to the NWS. However, temperatures will still be higher than average for much of south Florida and the Southwest, according to the NWS. Tangent Extreme heat has already disrupted travel, creating adverse conditions for flights and causing problems at the nation's airports. Over 3,900 flights were delayed as of 2 p.m. EDT on Monday, according to online tracker FlightAware. Chicago-O'Hare, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Hartsfield-Jackson Airport in Atlanta had the highest number of delays.
Forbes
2 days ago
- Climate
- Forbes
Nearly 3,300 U.S. Flight Delays Today Due To Extreme Heat And Thunderstorms
Travelers are encountering thousands of delayed flights Monday as extreme heat from Nebraska to the Carolinas snarls air traffic at major airport hubs. Blistering heat across much of the U.S. Monday is causing flight delays. getty As of around 1 p.m. EDT on Monday, nearly 3,300 flights within the U.S. were delayed, according to FlightAware flight tracking data. The Southeast, Midwest and Tennessee Valley will experience extreme heat through Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service, which is warning of heat index values ('feels like' temperatures) surpassing 115 degrees in some areas due to the 'dangerous combination of high temperatures and humidity.' By early afternoon Monday, there were triple-digit flight delays at Chicago O'Hare, Dallas-Fort Worth and Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson. There were double-digit delays at two dozen other U.S. airports, including Boston Logan, Denver, Newark Liberty, Charlotte-Douglas and Baltimore/ Washington. Of the 'big four' U.S. airlines, Southwest Airlines had the most delays (641), followed by American Airlines (436), Delta Air Lines (289) and United Airlines (284). On Monday, extreme heat will oppress much of the Central and Eastern U.S., with the most dangerous combination of high temperatures and humidity continuing through Wednesday, according to the NWS forecast. From Nebraska to the Carolinas, high temperatures will soar into the upper 90s to low 100s, with heat index values ("feels like" temperatures) surpassing 110-115 degrees. Several major metropolitan areas—including Raleigh, Charlotte and Orlando—will experience 'extreme heat risk,' which means dangerous and potentially deadly heat stroke likely with limited exposure. Extreme heat across much of the country Monday is disrupting thousands of flights. National Weather Service Extremely high temperatures, especially when combined with humidity, can increase the likelihood and severity of thunderstorms, which can cause the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to issue ground delays and stops for affected airports. In addition, extremely high temperatures can force airlines to reduce the weight carried on planes, which in turn can cause flight delays and passengers being bumped to lighten the load. Lightening the plane becomes necessary because it takes more to get the plane aloft. 'The warmer the air becomes, the less dense it also becomes, which means a higher groundspeed just to reach the appropriate airspeed [for takeoff],' Melanie Dickson, a lecturer at The Ohio State University's Center for Aviation Studies, told Forbes. 'Because the air is less dense, there are fewer air molecules traveling over the wings so the aircraft has to go faster to achieve the same amount of lift.' Hotter temperatures mean more runway is required for takeoff and landing, while engines produce less thrust. 'This means that there is a possibility that the runway isn't long enough to accommodate the longer takeoff roll—especially at high altitude airports, which already have air that is less dense than at or near sea level.' Dickson said. 'If you add heat to that mix, it can grind everything to a halt.' Travelers can expect more turbulence at takeoff and landing 'from the hot temperature causing thermals and rising air,' Dr. Bob Thomas, assistant professor of aeronautical science at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, told Forbes. A weather issue in one region often blossoms into a national air travel problem because of how airlines reuse planes and crews for multiple trips during the day. A morning flight delay in Boston can prevent a plane from making it to Dallas for a midday departure, which can in turn bump back the same plane's afternoon flight out of Chicago. When thousands of morning flights are delayed, it creates a domino effect throughout the rest of the day. Why Do Airplane Cabins Get So Hot Before Takeoff And After Landing? Essentially, aircraft air-cooling systems are designed to work while the plane is in the air, not on the ground. 'The air conditioners on airplanes work differently than you'd expect,' Thomas told Forbes. 'At the airport gate, a big hose will pump cool air into the airplane, but in the time between leaving the gate and being airborne can get a little warm in the cabin.' According to tarmac rules of the Department of Transportation (DOT), airlines are required to let passengers off the plane after three hours for domestic flights and four hours for international flights. But extremely hot days can mean that passengers sit in sweltering cabins for hours when the plane is stuck on the tarmac, either waiting to takeoff or after landing. What Can Travelers Do To Avoid Summer Flight Delays? The simplest way for travelers to reduce the risk of a flight disruption is by booking an early flight, when temperatures are cooler. 'Especially down in the Southeast or anywhere in the South where there are afternoon thunderstorms every day, it's always smarter to take the very first flight in the morning,' Dr. Thomas told Forbes. 'You avoid the risk of thunderstorms delaying and changing routes.' Big Number 74%. That's the portion of flight delays in the U.S. caused by weather, according to FAA data. Over 7,000 U.S. Flights Disrupted Thursday—Latest Day Of Heavy Delays (Forbes)
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Heat wave to scorch the U.S. this week — and some cities will experience 'feels like' heat index of 115°F
More than 130 million people from South Dakota to Florida are under extreme warnings and advisories. A dangerous heat wave continues to scorch a large part of the United States, with more than 130 million people under extreme heat watches and warnings from South Dakota to Florida as temperatures in some cities are expected to exceed 100 degrees, and heat indexes — or 'feels like' temperatures — could soar past 115°F. The so-called heat dome that baked much of the Midwest last week has now settled over the Southeast, where intense and potentially life-threatening heat and humidity are expected to continue through at least Wednesday. How hot will it feel, exactly? From Charlotte, N.C., to Orlando, heat indexes, or what the temperatures feel like when humidity is factored in, are forecast to be between 108° and 116°F for multiple days. And temperatures at night won't provide much relief. Overnight lows are expected to fall only into the 70s across the region. According to the National Weather Service's HeatRisk monitor, more than 18 million people across five states — North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and Florida — were under the highest risk level (four out of four) for extreme heat on Monday. More than 130 million people — from the Midwest to the Northeast — were considered in the 'major' (three out of four) risk level. Such levels are 'dangerous for anyone without adequate cooling or hydration,' the weather service warned, noting that the risk of heat-related illnesses increases significantly with prolonged exposure to extreme heat and humidity. What you can do to protect yourself 'Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors,' NWS advised. 'Take extra precautions when outside. Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing. Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.' When will the heat wave break? There is, however, some relief on the way. According to the long-range forecast from the weather service, a strong cold front is expected to usher in cooler temperatures across much of the eastern U.S. by next weekend, with highs 10-20 degrees below what they were earlier in the week, and much lower humidity. Wildfire risk out West Meanwhile in the Western U.S., there is an increasing risk of wildfires, as high winds and extremely low humidity are forecast for portions of Colorado and Utah, where red flag warnings have been issued. According to the NWS in Salt Lake City, the relative humidity is expected to be as low as 8% on Monday, with wind gusts above 30 mph. In addition, a series of storms with lightning but little to no rain could increase wildfire activity. 'Lightning strikes from thunderstorms could spark fires,' Accuweather warned. 'In storms that bring little to no rain, there is no moisture to put out the emerging fires. Gusty winds that accompany the thunderstorm in the immediate vicinity then fan the flames and cause the fire to quickly spread.' Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Heat wave to scorch the U.S. this week — and some cities will experience 'feels like' heat index of 115°
More than 130 million people from South Dakota to Florida are under extreme warnings and advisories. A dangerous heat wave continues to scorch a large part of the United States, with more than 130 million people under extreme heat watches and warnings from South Dakota to Florida as temperatures in some cities are expected to exceed 100 degrees and heat indexes — or 'feels like' temperatures — could soar past 115°F. The so-called heat dome that baked much of the Midwest last week has now settled over the Southeast, where intense and potentially life-threatening heat and humidity are expected to continue through at least Wednesday. How hot will it feel, exactly? From Charlotte to Orlando, heat indexes, or what the temperatures feel like when humidity is factored in, are forecast to be between 108 and 116°F degrees for multiple days. And temperatures at night won't provide much relief. Overnight lows are expected to fall only into the 70s across the region. According to the National Weather Service's HeatRisk monitor, more than 18 million people across five states — North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and Florida — were under the highest risk level (four out of four) for extreme heat on Monday. More than 130 million people — from the Midwest to the Northeast — were considered in the 'major' (three out of four) risk level. Such levels are 'dangerous for anyone without adequate cooling or hydration,' the weather service warned, noting that the risk of heat-related illnesses increases significantly with prolonged exposure to extreme heat and humidity. What you can do to protect yourself 'Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors,' NWS advised. 'Take extra precautions when outside. Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing. Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.' When will the heat wave break? There is, however, some relief on the way. According to the long-range forecast from the weather service, a strong cold front is expected to usher in cooler temperatures across much of the eastern U.S. by next weekend, with highs 10-20 degrees below what they were earlier in the week, and much lower humidity. Wildfire risk out west Meanwhile in the western U.S., there is an increasing risk of wildfires, as high winds and extremely low humidity are forecast for portions of Colorado and Utah, where red flag warnings have been issued. According to the NWS in Salt Lake City, the relative humidity is expected to be as low as 8% on Monday, with wind gusts above 30 mph. In addition, a series of storms with lightning but little to no rain could increase wildfire activity. 'Lightning strikes from thunderstorms could spark fires,' Accuweather warned. 'In storms that bring little to no rain, there is no moisture to put out the emerging fires. Gusty winds that accompany the thunderstorm in the immediate vicinity then fan the flames and cause the fire to quickly spread.' Solve the daily Crossword
Forbes
2 days ago
- Climate
- Forbes
Over 2,100 U.S. Flight Delays Today Due To Extreme Heat And Thunderstorms
Travelers are encountering thousands of delayed flights Monday as extreme heat from Nebraska to the Carolinas snarls air traffic at major airport hubs. Blistering heat across much of the U.S. Monday is causing flight delays. getty As of 10:45 a.m. EDT Monday, over 2,100 flights within the U.S. were delayed, according to FlightAware flight tracking data. The Southeast, Midwest and Tennessee Valley will experience extreme heat through Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service (NWS), which is warning of heat index values ('feels like' temperatures) surpassing 115 degrees due to the 'dangerous combination of high temperatures and humidity.' By mid-morning Monday, there were double-digit flight delays at two dozen U.S. airports, including Chicago's O'Hare, Dallas-Fort Worth, Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson, Newark Liberty and Boston Logan. On Monday, extreme heat will oppress much of the Central and Eastern U.S., with the most dangerous combination of high temperatures and humidity continuing through Wednesday, according to the NWS forecast. From Nebraska to the Carolinas, high temperatures will soar into the upper 90s to low 100s, with heat index values ("feels like" temperatures) surpassing 110-115 degrees. Several major metropolitan areas—including Raleigh, Charlotte and Orlando—will experience 'extreme heat risk,' which means dangerous and potentially deadly heat stroke likely with limited exposure. Extremely high temperatures, especially when combined with humidity, can increase the likelihood and severity of thunderstorms, which can cause the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to issue ground delays and stops for affected airports. In addition, extremely high temperatures can force airlines to reduce the weight carried on planes, which in turn can cause flight delays and passengers being bumped to lighten the load. Lightening the plane becomes necessary because it takes more to get the plane aloft. 'The warmer the air becomes, the less dense it also becomes, which means a higher groundspeed just to reach the appropriate airspeed [for takeoff],' Melanie Dickson, a lecturer at The Ohio State University's Center for Aviation Studies, told Forbes. 'Because the air is less dense, there are fewer air molecules traveling over the wings so the aircraft has to go faster to achieve the same amount of lift.' Hotter temperatures mean more runway is required for takeoff and landing, while engines produce less thrust. 'This means that there is a possibility that the runway isn't long enough to accommodate the longer takeoff roll—especially at high altitude airports, which already have air that is less dense than at or near sea level.' Dickson said. 'If you add heat to that mix, it can grind everything to a halt.' Travelers can expect more turbulence at takeoff and landing 'from the hot temperature causing thermals and rising air,' Dr. Bob Thomas, assistant professor of aeronautical science at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, told Forbes. Why Do Flight Delays In One Region Cause Delays Across The U.s.? A weather issue in one region often blossoms into a national air travel problem because of how airlines reuse planes and crews for multiple trips during the day. A morning flight delay in Boston can prevent a plane from making it to Dallas for a midday departure, which can in turn bump back the same plane's afternoon flight out of Chicago. When thousands of morning flights are delayed, it creates a domino effect throughout the rest of the day. Essentially, aircraft air-cooling systems are designed to work while the plane is in the air, not on the ground. 'The air conditioners on airplanes work differently than you'd expect,' Thomas told Forbes. 'At the airport gate, a big hose will pump cool air into the airplane, but in the time between leaving the gate and being airborne can get a little warm in the cabin.' According to tarmac rules of the Department of Transportation (DOT), airlines are required to let passengers off the plane after three hours for domestic flights and four hours for international flights. But extremely hot days can mean that passengers sit in sweltering cabins for hours when the plane is stuck on the tarmac, either waiting to takeoff or after landing. What Can Travelers Do To Avoid Summer Flight Delays? The simplest way for travelers to reduce the risk of a flight disruption is by booking an early flight, when temperatures are cooler. 'Especially down in the Southeast or anywhere in the South where there are afternoon thunderstorms every day, it's always smarter to take the very first flight in the morning,' Dr. Thomas told Forbes. 'You avoid the risk of thunderstorms delaying and changing routes.' Big Number 74%. That's the portion of flight delays in the U.S. caused by weather, according to FAA data. Further Reading Over 7,000 U.S. Flights Disrupted Thursday—Latest Day Of Heavy Delays (Forbes)
