Heat Wave Winding Down For Many Today

The Ohio Valley and Eastern Seaboard will continue to see searing heat for one more day, as a major heat wave continues to bring heat and humidity.

Thanks to an area of high pressure covering a large swath of the eastern U.S., more 90s and even 100s are expected across the Lower Midwest, Ohio Valley and East Coast to close out the weekend. Furthermore, temperatures will likely break the century mark again across parts of the southern Plains.

Heat Advisories and Excessive Heat Warnings stretch from Kansas and Oklahoma into the Ohio Valley, with another area covering much of New England, the Mid-Atlantic and the eastern Carolinas. This includes the metropolitan areas of New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., St. Louis, Cincinnati and Memphis.

High humidity will be present once again with heat indices peaking between 105-110 degrees during the afternoon, with a few isolated locations across the Plains and Midwest experiencing sweltering heat indices of 110-115 degrees.

Air conditioners will be on full blast with this excessive heat, even during the night-time as low temperatures only fall into the 70s, with many urban areas not falling below 80 degrees. With humidity remaining in place, the air will feel more like 85 to 90 degrees even during the overnight hours.

Major heat waves like this can be dangerous. Not only are there oppressive temperatures during the day, but overnight temperatures can remain in the 80s or higher, potentially adding stress to our already exhausted bodies. Indianapolis tied its highest low temperature that was set back in 2011 as temperatures only reached 79 for overnight lows.

If you need to be outside, whether it be for work or to have fun in the sun, take frequent breaks, preferably in an air-conditioned environment. If possible, stay in the shade or indoors during the hottest part of the day, which is typically from late morning into the early evening.

Wear light weight and loose-fitting clothing that breathes easily and be sure to keep well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Don't forget about your pets. If they need to be left outside, be sure they have access to shade and cool water.

Remember, young children, the elderly, and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. This is especially true during warm or hot weather, when car or truck interiors can reach lethal temperatures in only a matter of minutes.