Heatwave Intensifies: Midwest & South Scorch as Temperatures Soar
As temperatures continue to soar, the Midwest and South are currently gripped by a relentless heatwave, intensifying concerns over the wellbeing of residents and the potential for widespread heat-related issues. With excessive heat warnings covering vast areas from Texas and Louisiana to Wisconsin and Minnesota, including the entire states of Iowa and Missouri, it is crucial to stay informed about the regions most susceptible to this extreme heat.
Cities under excessive heat warnings include Des Moines, Kansas City, Oklahoma City, Dallas, and Little Rock. The combination of intense heat and humidity has led to feels-like temperatures ranging from 110 to 120 degrees across much of the Midwest and South. In some areas, these temperatures have even surpassed the 120-degree mark, with an alarming maximum heat index exceeding 130 degrees.
The impact of this heatwave has been astonishing, with over 200 long-period record highs set since Friday alone. College Station, Texas, experienced an all-time high temperature of 112 degrees, and Alexandria, Louisiana, reached a record-breaking 110 degrees on Saturday. In addition, Abilene, Texas, established an August record of 111 degrees, while Stephenville, Texas, recorded a scorching 110 degrees.
According to the Weather Prediction Center, the prolonged nature of this heatwave, combined with persistently warm overnight temperatures, will limit relief from the oppressive daytime heat and exacerbate the overall heat impacts. Unfortunately, the forecast predicts the potential for several hundred more record highs and possibly twice as many record warm lows until Friday. This includes the likelihood of more monthly or all-time high temperature records being broken.
Looking ahead, the hottest temperatures are expected to shift somewhat eastward over the next few days, setting the stage for record or near-record highs in cities such as Minneapolis, Chicago, Memphis, and Indianapolis, among others. An alarming example of the extreme heat occurred on Sunday, with heat indexes surpassing 120 degrees in numerous locations across Kansas, Missouri, and Iowa. Lawrence, Kansas, recorded a heat index of 133 degrees, highlighting the unbearable conditions residents are facing.
To gain a perspective on the severity of the current heatwave, it is worth mentioning the devastating mid-July 1995 heatwave in Chicago, which claimed the lives of hundreds of individuals. The National Weather Service office in Kansas City advises residents to cancel or reschedule outdoor activities, move them indoors, and take all necessary precautions due to the life-threatening nature of this heatwave.
The extraordinary temperatures can be attributed to a high-pressure heat dome of unprecedented strength. A weather balloon released from Topeka, Kansas, registered one of the highest recorded measurements for high pressure intensity in the United States. NASA atmospheric scientist Ryan Stauffer described the troposphere over the Central U.S. as the hottest ever measured.
To commence the week, record highs are anticipated across a vast region spanning from Nebraska to Texas and throughout the South. Denver is forecasted to reach 99 degrees, potentially surpassing the previous record of 97. Similarly, Wichita and Dallas are expecting highs of 106 degrees, while Shreveport, Louisiana, and Jackson, Mississippi, may experience temperatures of 105 and 104 degrees, respectively.
This record heat potential continues on Tuesday, spreading into Minneapolis (forecast of 99 degrees), Chicago (forecast of 98 degrees), and St. Louis (forecast of 102 degrees). Additionally, many cities in Texas and the eastern regions will face scorching temperatures. Austin has already endured 44 consecutive days at or above 100 degrees, and this streak may endure until September.
Wednesday promises another day of extreme heat, with records likely in Iowa and across the South. New Orleans will once again approach and exceed 100 degrees, as will Tallahassee. Thursday is expected to have the largest footprint of record highs, affecting the lower Great Lakes, the Mid-South, the Gulf Coast, and Texas. Chicago will experience its third consecutive day near 100 degrees, while Detroit and Louisville will reach the upper 90s. More record-breaking temperatures are anticipated from Texas to the South.
Among the onslaught of record-warm lows, many cities will struggle to drop below 80 degrees at night. However, a cold front on Friday and Saturday will push the record heat further south and east. Washington, D.C., could reach the mid-90s, potentially breaking a record from years prior. Meanwhile, areas in the Gulf Coast, specifically New Orleans, could witness temperatures near 100 degrees through Sunday. New Orleans has already experienced 12 days at or above 100 degrees this year, surpassing the previous annual record of five days set in 1980.
For those who have been closely monitoring this summer’s heat, it is evident that the heat dome is likely to shift toward the U.S. Southwest in the final days of August, and possibly expand eastwards into September. However, the Northeast region may see a notable cool-down to close out the month, with several days expected to be below average in temperature. While most parts of the country will remain above or well above average temperatures, those in Texas should not expect a significant break from the relentless heat, with temperatures predicted to remain 5 to 10 degrees above average through the first week of September.
In light of these circumstances, it is of utmost importance to prioritize personal safety and wellbeing. Stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, and seek shelter in air-conditioned environments whenever possible. The severity of this heatwave calls for proactive measures to minimize the risks associated with such extreme temperatures.
It is imperative to remain vigilant, particularly in regions affected by excessive heat warnings. Take care of yourself and those around you, and be prepared to reschedule or modify outdoor activities if necessary. The impact of this heatwave can be life-threatening, and the utmost caution should be exercised to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all individuals.
