Dangerous Heat Bakes Nation's Midsection, Southern Tier

Dangerous heat will remain in store for parts of the nation’s midsection and the Southern Tier into the middle of the week.

An expansive area of high pressure will remain in place over much of the western U.S. into the Plains today. As a result, very warm to hot weather will persist across the Western and Central U.S. today. Humidity levels will also increase across the nation's midsection as well as over the Southeast. 

Temperatures over the next several days will generally range from 5 to 15 degrees above normal. The hottest weather will be found in California’s Central Valley into the Desert Southwest. Here, highs will reach the 100s and 110s. The mercury will also peak in the 90s and 100s across the central and southern Plains. Though, it will feel even hotter in the south-central U.S. due to the humidity, with the heat index approaching 110 degrees.

Excessing Heat Warnings and Heat Advisories are in effect for parts of central and southern California, with patches of these warnings and advisories found throughout parts of Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, and Colorado. 

Heat Advisories are also found from southeast and northern Texas northward to southeast Nebraska, southwest Iowa, much of Missouri, southern Illinois, western Kentucky, western Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, much of Lousiana, and eastward across southern Alabama, northern Florida, southern Georgia, and southeast South Carolina. 

Excessive Heat Warnings are found across northeastern Lousiana, eastern Arkansas, northwestern Mississippi, and far southwestern Tennessee. This includes Memphis, Tenn., Jonesboro, Ark., and Vicksburg, Miss. 

If you are in one of these areas experiencing unseasonably hot temperatures, it will be important to stay hydrated and cool. Avoid exposure to the sun from late morning into the early evening. Take frequent breaks in the A.C. or shade. Eat and dress lightly. Use sun protection if outdoors. Never leave kids or pets unattended and remember to “Look Before You Lock!” Recognize the signs of heat-related illness.