Forecasters are warning of triple-digit heat indexes and scorching temperatures that could set records and last until Independence Day.
Europe is hit by a heatwave
European residents and tourists are seeking relief amid a heatwave with temperatures soaring above 104 degrees and widespread warnings in place.
If you live east of the Rocky Mountains, you may want to start planning now for a safe and cool Fourth of July weekend, as the National Weather Service warns that “significant and dangerous heat” could persist for several days.
And they’re not talking about normal summer heat. This is a triple-digit heat index and scorching temperatures that could set records and last well beyond Independence Day.
Frank Pereira, a meteorologist with the Weather Prediction Center, part of the National Weather Service, said temperatures “will be well above normal in many parts of the east-central United States.”
From July 3 to 9, National Weather Service forecasters say they are increasingly confident that summer temperatures in much of the Midwest and East will be well above normal, possibly setting records, and increasing the risk of a heat wave. Forecast discussions point out that this development pattern is favorable for another Omega block-like pattern and could continue to have an impact until July.
Although uncertainty remains over the details, the prolonged heatwave is expected to begin to take hold over the weekend of June 27-28, then expand and last until at least July 4.
However, the Rocky Mountains and Northwest will see a “pretty strong contrast,” with temperatures well below normal and the northern Rockies likely seeing snow at higher elevations.
East of the Rocky Mountains, Pereira told USA TODAY on June 26, “We’re going to see very hot, well-above-normal weather through next week. Temperatures will really start to warm up in the eastern United States in the middle of next week.”
On June 30 and July 1, “records will begin to fall from the Ohio Valley into the mid-Atlantic and Northeast,” he said. “By Thursday (July 2), temperatures will reach triple digits from the northern Carolinas to the mid-Atlantic region, including Washington, D.C.”
East of the Dakotas, temperatures are expected to be in the low 90s and humidity near 110 degrees, he said.
Dangerous nighttime minimum temperature
Compounding the whole heat issue is that “it doesn’t get much cooler at night,” Pereira said. “We’re probably looking at a more widespread overnight warm low temperature record.” In areas where nighttime lows stay in the low 80s, nighttime relief will actually be limited.
“Start preparing now, as high temperatures could exceed 100 degrees for three to four consecutive days,” the National Weather Service in Raleigh warned in a forecast discussion on June 26. Forecasters say temperatures outside the Triad could reach up to 112 degrees. “To make matters worse, nighttime lows may struggle to dip below 80 degrees, but they could even exceed 90 degrees at night.”
Very high nighttime minimum temperatures make it difficult for roads, lawns, and buildings to cool, increasing the risk of heatstroke, especially for the elderly and people without adequate cooling systems.
What is the weather forecast for Independence Day on July 4th?
Much of the country east of the line from Montana to Texas will face some type of extreme heat risk on July 3 and 4, according to forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. They include:
- High Risk: Friday, July 3, parts of south central Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee Valley, Great Lakes, Appalachians, mid-Atlantic coast, and Southeast.
- Moderate risk: Most of the central and eastern U.S. July 3-4.
- There is a slight chance of extreme heat in many of the same regions from July 5th to 6th.
- Some strong winds are possible in parts of California, the Pacific Northwest, the Northern Mountains, and the northern Great Basin from July 3rd to 4th.
Despite the heat warning, AccuWeather said, “Scattered thunderstorms in parts of the Great Lakes and the Northeast may disrupt festivities, but many will enjoy favorable conditions for parades, cookouts, and fireworks.”
Follow these safety tips
Pereira has advice for those trying to cope with potentially record-breaking heat.
- “We always encourage people to limit their outdoor activities if possible,” he said.
- If outdoor activities cannot be avoided, take breaks, drink fluids frequently, stay hydrated, and have access to air conditioning or a cool area.
- Always check the back seat of your car.
- Check on vulnerable populations, including the elderly.
Doyle Rice and Dinah Boyles Pulver are national correspondents for USA TODAY with decades of experience covering violent weather and climate.
