Searing Heatwave Targets US Southern Half As Independence Day Nears

The southern United States is once again grappling with dangerous heat levels this Saturday, with much of the region expected to endure temperatures soaring to a blistering 100 degrees Fahrenheit or even more over the weekend.

The most populous metropolitan area in Arizona, which includes Phoenix and surrounding towns, was under excessive heat warnings, as temperatures threatened to peak at a staggering 115 degrees Fahrenheit (46 degrees Celsius).

At the same time, Las Vegas experienced its initial bout of triple-digit heat on Friday, with predictions of more intense warmth throughout the weekend, fluctuating between 105 F and 120 F (41 C and 49 C) for a significant part of the region. On Saturday, officials in Clark County made cooling centers available for local residents.

OTHER NEWS
Curiosities stirred by ‘Watermelon snow’ in Utah following unusually wet winter
Increasing frequency and duration of heatwaves similar to the one causing 14 deaths in the southern US
Hazardous heat and humidity engulf much of the South and Midwest
Central US is now worst hit by the drought. Stress on corn crops, low running rivers

Cities in the southernmost parts of New Mexico were also dealing with triple-digit temperatures. Although isolated storms bringing cloud cover might offer some afternoon relief, meteorologists warned that these storms would likely produce erratic wind gusts and lightning but minimal rainfall, thereby increasing the risk of fires.

Meteorologist Josh Weiss from the Weather Prediction Center in College Park, Maryland, explained that a growing ridge of high pressure across the West and Southwest was bringing extreme heat starting in California and moving through the Independence Day holiday, eventually reaching the Pacific Northwest by mid-next week.

“We’re observing temperatures surpassing 100 degrees, potentially reaching 110 in parts of California and the desert Southwest over the weekend, and possibly even exceeding 100 degrees in Portland, Oregon, with Seattle likely seeing temperatures in the 90s by the end of next week,” Weiss elaborated.

By Saturday afternoon, the National Weather Service had issued heat advisories or excessive heat warnings in Oregon, California, Nevada, Arizona, Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, and Florida.

The Weather Service highlights the significantly increased risk of heat-related ailments like heat stroke under such extreme heat and humidity conditions.

Weiss also cautioned that the Carolinas might be subjected to intense heat through Independence Day.

New Orleans’ EMS Chief, Bill Salmeron, advised city residents and Essence Festival of Culture attendees to double their typical water consumption, avoid sun exposure by wearing hats and loose or light-colored clothing, and utilize cooling centers available for those seeking relief from the heat.

Predictions indicated that the heat index — the temperature perceived by the human body when relative humidity and temperature are combined — was likely to skyrocket to between 105 F and 115 F (41 C to 46 C).

In contrast, the upper Midwest and mid-Atlantic regions faced significant wind and hail warnings, as explained by Weiss.

Severe thunderstorms and hail affected the St. Louis area on Friday, causing damage across numerous communities, as reported by KDSK-TV. These conditions disrupted utility services for over 100,000 residents in Missouri and Illinois.

Early Saturday, a comparable storm swept through Panola County in northern Mississippi. “The storm moved out quickly, but more could develop, bringing with it potential hail and damaging winds, later Saturday,” stated National Weather Service meteorologist Andy Chiuppi.

This report included contributions from Big Big News writers Susan Montoya Bryan in Albuquerque, New Mexico; Kimberlee Kruesi in Nashville, Tennessee; and Julie Walker in New York. Rodrigue reported from New Orleans.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Heatwave in Southern US

More about Heatwave in Southern US

• National Weather Service
• Heat Safety Tips from CDC
• Heat-Related Illnesses
• Cooling Centers Locator