A major heat wave is poised to engulf the central and eastern United States, threatening over 170 million Americans with sweltering temperatures and dangerously high humidity, according to a media advisory released by AccuWeather today. The intense heat is expected to build through the weekend and into next week, just as the Northern Hemisphere welcomes the summer solstice on Friday evening.
AccuWeather meteorologists warn that RealFeel® Temperatures could soar above 100 degrees Fahrenheit across large swathes of the affected regions, potentially peaking between a dangerous 110 and 120 degrees in some areas. Adding to the concern is the lack of expected overnight relief, with temperatures in many urban centers projected to hover around a stifling 80 degrees for several consecutive nights.
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“It will be exceptionally warm at night with little relief once the sun goes down,” said AccuWeather® Chief On-Air Meteorologist Bernie Rayno. “Many urban areas may struggle to drop below 80 at night, and that can take a toll on the body without air conditioning.”
The combination of extreme heat and humidity poses a significant risk to vulnerable populations, including young children, the elderly, outdoor workers, and pets. AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter emphasized the particular danger of this early-season heat wave.
“Extreme heat is tragically the leading cause of weather-related fatalities in America,” Porter stated. “There is an amplified risk of heat-related illnesses because this is the first heat wave of the year for millions of people, and their bodies are not yet acclimated to this type of heat and humidity.”
The advisory notes that energy demands are expected to surge as residents crank up air conditioning units to combat the oppressive conditions. In some locations, daily temperature records that have stood for decades could be challenged.
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AccuWeather’s RealFeel Temperature and RealFeel Shade™ Temperature metrics provide a more comprehensive understanding of how the air feels by factoring in various elements beyond the standard air temperature, such as humidity, wind speed, cloud cover, and sun intensity.
Meteorologists highlight that the most intense heat will likely occur in the middle to latter part of the heat wave, as the ground dries out following recent rainfall. Dry topsoil and heated paved surfaces will direct more of the sun’s energy into heating the air.
Several major metropolitan areas are bracing for prolonged periods of intense heat. AccuWeather forecasts Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., to endure at least seven days with high temperatures at or above 90 degrees, including at least two days reaching 100 or higher next week. New York City is also expected to experience multiple days in the 90s, with the possibility of hitting 100 in some areas. Chicago is predicted to face three to five days with highs in the 90s, described as the most intense heat wave the city has seen in recent years.
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Similarly, Kansas City, Oklahoma City, St. Louis, and Nashville are anticipating multiple days with temperatures soaring into the 90s and near 100 degrees. Even areas further south, such as Atlanta and Charlotte, are forecast to see temperatures spike 5-15 degrees above historical averages.
AccuWeather experts are urging individuals to take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Recommendations include staying hydrated, taking breaks in cool or shaded areas, and being extra vigilant for those working outdoors.
While the core of the heat dome is expected to remain dry, areas on the periphery could see thunderstorm activity and the potential for severe weather and flooding downpours. This shift in weather patterns will bring much-needed drier conditions to regions that have experienced several consecutive weekends of wet and cooler-than-average weather.
However, even as people seek relief in bodies of water, AccuWeather cautions about the risk of cold water shock, as water temperatures in many areas are still lower than usual for this time of year due to recent cooler and cloudier conditions.
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