Blazing Southern Heatwave Rallies for Another Day

The nation's southern states retain heavy heat this week, with temperatures reaching new, searing heights in the Southwest today.

A broad heat dome hovers from the Pacific to the Atlantic, closing in further onto the Southwest each day as it slowly retreats from the east. Under the dome, torrid heat remains east of the Rockies as a more extreme, drier heat zaps areas to the west.

Real temperatures, not just heat indices, in the Sonoran and Mojave Deserts, as well as the valleys of the Great Basin and away from the immediate coastline of southern California, will observe temperatures cresting above the 100s and 110s. In the lowest places amongst these regions, such as in Death Valley, temperatures will exceed even the scorching 120-degree mark.

Where humidity will factor significantly into the felt temperatures, heat indices peak between the century mark and 115 degrees in Florida, the coastal Southeast, the Deep South, and the Mid-South.

On top of the daytime influx of heat, overnight lows in the near-coastal Deep South, the Mid-South, and the Desert Southwest will only bottom out in the upper 80s to 90s, giving no overnight respite from feverish temperatures.

With no overnight respite from the heat, energy grids and connected air conditioning across these areas will see high stress and a heavy workload, which could cause blackouts where the grid is not adequately prepared. Vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly, are at the highest risk for heat-related illnesses where high temperatures persist overnight.

Heat Advisories have been posted from north-central Texas and Oklahoma to southern Georgia, Florida, and coastal North Carolina, as well as portions of southern California. Furthermore, Extreme Heat Warnings have been issued for north-central Texas, east-central Oklahoma, central Arkansas, far southwestern Tennessee, far northwestern Mississippi, southeastern California, southern Nevada, and southern and western Arizona.

In areas experiencing extremely hot temperatures, it is exceptionally important to stay hydrated and cool. Avoid exposure to the sun from late morning into the early evening. Make sure to take frequent breaks in the air conditioning or shade, eat and dress lightly, and to use sun protection if outdoors. Always check the back seat before exiting your car, as a vehicle can reach 30 to 40 degrees higher than outdoor temperatures. Never leave kids or pets unattended and remember to “Look Before You Lock!”