Scorching Heat Spreads Into the East
The heat dome that has been in place across the central U.S. will spread into the eastern U.S. today.
High pressure will continue to bring intense heat and humidity to areas from the southern Plains into the Ohio Valley today. Numerous Heat Advisories are in place from northern Texas and Oklahoma to southern Ohio and West Virginia. Cities such as Dallas, Little Rock, Ark., Memphis and Nashville, Tenn., Louisville, Ky., Indianapolis, and Cincinnati all have these advisories.
A small area centered around St. Louis are under Extreme Heat Warnings for today.
Temperatures will reach the 90s in most of these areas this afternoon, while a few places in Texas will climb above 100 degrees. When combined with dew points in the 70s, it will feel even hotter! In fact, heat indices will exceed 100 degrees in many areas and could push toward 110 degrees in a few locations!
High heat and humidity will also spread across the eastern U.S. today. Heat Advisories are found from southern Maine to northeastern South Carolina for today, with Extreme Heat Watches in places across the eastern Carolinas into southern Virginia for this weekend. Extreme Heat Warnings are also in place across northern Delaware, southeastern Pennsylvania, and portions of New Jersey. This includes Philadelphia and Newark, N.J.
A few record high temperatures will be challenged in the Northeast today. Philadelphia may approach their record of 97 degrees set on this date in 2016. New York City's Central Park may come close to their record of 97 degrees set in 1999. Even Portland, Maine may come close to the record of 91 degrees set way back in 1874.
If you must go outdoors, prepare by staying hydrated and keep a watchful eye for any signs of heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Wear the right clothing, such as loose-fitting, lightweight and breathable fabrics, and take many breaks within a cool and shaded area.
Make sure to take extra precautions for children and the elderly as they are more susceptible to heat-related illness. Never leave children or animals alone in a locked vehicle as it can become dangerous and potentially fatal. Do not forget to download the WeatherBug app to stay up to date on the latest for this dangerous western heatwave.