Sweltering Heat Wave Burdens Deep South, Southwest

The Sun continues to beat especially heavily over the U.S. Southern Tier amidst a far-reaching heat wave.

High pressure aloft is still present over much of the South, throwing torrid heat and humidity for yet another day from Oklahoma and Texas through coastal North Carolina.

Heat indices today will soar past the century mark, reaching near 110 degrees in Florida, the coastal Southeast, the Deep South, and the Mid-South into southern Kansas.

On the other end of the scale, places along the coastal Southeast, central Florida, and parts of the Mid-South cannot expect overnight relief, with heat indices keeping to the upper 80s to lower 90s.

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.

Along with humid heat east of the Rockies, the heat dome is slowly expanding and sliding westward, enabling a drier heat to intensify over the Desert Southwest. Real temperatures, not just heat indices, in the Sonoran and Mojave Deserts, as well as the valleys of the Great Basin, are expected to see temperatures peak in the 100s and lower 110s, with overnight lows in the upper 80s to lower 90s too.

Heat Advisories have been posted from north-central Texas and southern Kansas to Florida and eastern North Carolina, as well as portions of southern California. Furthermore, Extreme Heat Warnings have been issued for north-central Texas, eastern Oklahoma, west-central Arkansas, coastal east-central Louisiana through northern Florida, coastal Georgia through coastal North Carolina, south-eastern 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!”