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USA Today
6 days ago
- Climate
- USA Today
130 million Americans are feeling the extreme heat. And more is coming.
ARLINGTON, Va. − The unrelenting heat wave that has baked the Midwest for days was expanding to the east on July 24 and promised temperatures approaching 100 degrees in New York, Philadelphia and Washington D.C. by July 25. More than 130 million Americans were already under a heat warning, watch or advisory early on July 24. "A late July heat wave will continue to expand eastwards during the second half of the week with sultry conditions on tap from the Lower Mississippi Valley and Midwest to the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic," wrote Peter Mullinax, meteorologist at the National Weather Service's Weather Predicition Center. Mullinax said record high temperatures are "likely to be challenged" in parts of the Northeast over the next two days, with all regions affected also likely to see some record warm minimum temperatures broken. Heat indices will generally top out somewhere between 100-105 from the Southern Plains, Midwest, and Great Lakes on July 24 and the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic by July 25 with localized heat indices possibly approaching 110. Heat indices measure how hot it actually feels when factoring for humidity. South sweating out the 'ridiculous' heat: See who is next in triple digits Developments: ∎ Heavy rain, flash flooding, and severe weather are likely July 24 from the Central Plains and Midwest to the Great Lakes. ∎ "Relatively tranquil" weather was expected across the West, but a fire weather threat was in effect for Northern California and parts of Nevada, Utah, Oregon, Idaho, and Wyoming due to lightning. Heat dome could linger for two weeks The heat dome won't dissipate soon. Dangerous heat is expected across parts of the Central and Southeast through July, the weather service says. High temperatures will reach 100 degrees from Texas to western Tennessee almost every day for a week or two, AccuWeather said. The Northeast was given a couple days reprieve: highs in the 80s and relatively low humidity. But the dome will spread across the region July 25, driving high temperatures deep into the 90s that will feel like more than 100 degrees as the humidity builds there.
Yahoo
21-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Florida burning with heat advisories issued across entire state, heat index up to 115
It's not just you. It's hot out there, dangerously hot. Heat index advisories have been issued for the entire state of Florida with heat index values of 110-115 expected for July 21 as a heat dome spreads across the South, forecasters said. Temperatures across most of the state are expected to be in the 90s and may approach 100 degrees around Orlando and Southwest Florida, forecasters said. July 21 is also the one-year anniversary of the hottest day on record for the Earth. North Florida and the Panhandle (and parts of southeast Alabama and southern Georgia) are under a heat advisory from 11 a.m. ET through 7 p.m. with heat index values up to 112 expected. Advisories for Central, Southwest and South Florida are scheduled for noon through 6 p.m., with heat index values from 109 to 112 possible. The National Weather Service's Heat Risk map shows roughly two-thirds of Florida from the Panhandle down into the Central and Southwest regions facing major heat risk, with pockets of extreme heat risks in the Big Bend area and parts of the Southwest. "The 'Dog Days of Summer' are in full swing for most of the eastern two-thirds of the Lower 48," Peter Mullinax with the NOAA/NWS Weather Prediction Center said in a Monday morning update. "This is brought about by a strengthening heat dome originating over the Deep South that builds in over the Mississippi and Ohio Valleys by mid-week. "Expect some localized daily record highs to be broken in the Southeast," he said. Florida heat wave: What's the best setting for your AC thermostat? Heat index alert: Weather watches and warnings issued in Florida How dangerous is the heat in Florida? When your body gets hot, it cools itself off by sweating. If you get too hot, you can't cool off fast enough and your brain, your heart, and other organs can be damaged. If the relative humidity is high (that's the moisture in the atmosphere), your sweat doesn't evaporate as quickly — or at all — and you heat up even faster. That leads to dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and potentially fatal heat stroke. Anyone can get heat stroke, but infants, the elderly, and people with chronic disease, or people who have suffered from heat stroke in the past are at higher risk because their bodies may not be able to regulate temperature effectively. Heat waves kill more people in the U.S. than hurricanes, tornadoes and floods combined, despite being more preventable. According to the CDC, the average number of heat-related deaths per year in the U.S. has risen 95% from 2010 to 2022. Florida saw an 88% increase in heat-related deaths from 2020 to 2023. Heat exhaustion, heat stroke in Florida: Symptoms, what to do, when to call 911 Heat advisory issued for Panhandle. Heat index up to 110 A heat advisory will be in effect from 10 a.m. CT to 7 p.m., National Weather Service Mobile said, with heat index values up to 108 expected. Heat advisory issued for Tallahassee, Big Bend area. Heat index up to 112 A heat advisory is in effect for the North Florida region July 21 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET. Heat index values are expected to reach 112 in portions of southeast Alabama, the Big Bend and Panhandle of Florida, and south central and southwest Georgia. Heat advisory issued for Jacksonville, Northeast Florida. Heat index up to 110 A heat advisory was issued for Northeast Florida for July 21, in effect from noon ET to 6 p.m. Heat index values up to 110 expected for all of northeast and north central Florida and southeast Georgia, the National Weather Service Jacksonville said. Heat advisory issued for Central Florida, East Coast. Heat index up to 112 A heat advisory has been issued for Lake, Volusia, Seminole, Orange, Osceola, Brevard, Okeechobee, Indian River, St Lucie, and Martin counties from noon to 6 p.m. ET July 21. Heat index values from 108 to 112 expected, the National Weather Service Melbourne said. Heat advisory issued for Southwest Florida. Heat index could be 109 A heat advisory has been issued for portions of southwest and west central Florida from noon to 6 p.m. ET July 21. Heat index values up to 109 expected. Heat advisory issued for South Florida. Heat index from 105 to 110 The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory for South Florida from noon July 12 until 6 p.m. The heat index could reach between 105 and 110 across portions of southeast, south and southwest Florida and could reach even higher is some isolated locations, the National Weather Service said. A major heat risk means there is a risk for heat-related illnesses for most residents, especially for those without access to air conditioning or who don't stay hydrated. Dangerous heat: Heat advisory issued for Palm Beach County as temperatures and humidity soar Heat index and temperature map for US, Florida What is the heat index? The heat index is what the temperature feels like to the human body when relative humidity is combined with the air temperature, according to the National Weather Service. At its most basic: the heat index is what the temperature feels like when you're outside. The chart above shows the combination of air temperature with humidity. It's important to note the chart uses the air temperature in the shade. In direct sun, the air temperature can be up to 15 degrees higher. In Florida, except for Miami-Dade County, the National Weather Services offices around the state would issue a heat advisory if the heat index is expected to reach 108 to 112 degrees. The National Weather Service Miami said Miami/Dade County wanted a lower threshold for an advisory for its population, which was set at 105 degrees. NWS issues several types of heat-related warnings National Weather Service changed its heat watch and warning terms in March 2025. Here's what you should know: Excessive heat watches were renamed to extreme heat watches. Issued when dangerous heat is possible and residents are encouraged to be prepared. Excessive heat warnings were renamed to extreme heat warnings. Issued when dangerous heat is happening or about to happen. What is a heat advisory? Issued for dangerous heat conditions that are not expected to reach warning criteria. ➤ See when heat watches and warnings could be issued in your area What is a heat advisory? A heat advisory is issued for dangerous heat conditions that are not expected to reach warning criteria, according to the National Weather Service. "Residents are advised to consider postponing or rescheduling outdoor activities, especially during the heat of the day. If you must be outside, be sure to drink plenty of water and take frequent breaks in the shade. Stay in a cool place, especially during the heat of the day and evening." When a heat advisory is issued also depends on where you are in Florida. For most of the state, a heat advisory is issued if the heat index is expected to be between 108 to 112 degrees. Here is the breakdown by each NWS region. A heat advisory is issued when the heat index is expected to be: Western Panhandle: 108-112 degrees Central Panhandle, North Florida: 108 to 112 within the next 6 to 24 hours or air temperature is forecast to reach 103 degrees Northeast Florida: 108-112 degrees East Central Florida: 108 to 112 degrees In South Florida: 108 degrees in South Florida or 105 degrees for Miami/Dade and Broward counties Southwest, West Central Florida: 108-112 or the air temp is greater or equal to 103 degrees The National Weather Service Miami said Miami/Dade County wanted a lower threshold for a heat advisory for its population. Signs, symptoms of heat stroke Heat stroke is the most serious of heat-related illnesses, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Signs and symptoms include: Confusion, altered mental status, slurred speech Loss of consciousness (coma) Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating Seizures Very high body temperature Heat stroke is fatal if treatment is delayed What to do: Call 911 Move the person to a shaded, cool area and remove outer clothing Cool the person quickly, using the following methods: With a cold water or ice bath, if possible Wet the skin Place cold wet cloths on the skin Place cold wet cloths or ice on the head, neck, armpits, and groin Soak clothing with cool water Circulate the air around the person to speed cooling Signs, symptoms of heat exhaustion Heat exhaustion is the body's response to an excessive loss of water and salt, usually through excessive sweating, the CDC said. Signs and symptoms include: Headache Nausea Dizziness Weakness Irritability Thirst Heavy sweating Elevated body temperature Decreased urine output What to do: Take the person to a clinic or emergency room for medical evaluation and treatment Call 911 if medical care is unavailable Have someone stay with the person until help arrives Remove the person from the hot area Remove unnecessary clothing, including shoes and socks Cool the person with cold compresses or have the them wash their head, face, and neck with cold water Encourage frequent sips of cool water How to stay safe. What do meteorologists recommend when it's hot outside? ➤ What's the best temperature to set your air conditioner thermostat? Drink plenty of fluids Stay in an air-conditioned room Stay out of the sunshine Check on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. Car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 911. Stay informed. Get weather alerts via text What's next? We will provide weather coverage as conditions warrant to keep you informed and prepared. Download your local site's app to ensure you're always connected to the news. And look for our special subscription offers here. This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Florida heat advisories issued with heat index up to 115 expected Solve the daily Crossword
New York Times
08-07-2025
- Climate
- New York Times
Extreme heat is disrupting athletic events nationwide. Is sports ready for the future?
In Cincinnati, substitute players at the Club World Cup retreated to their locker rooms, choosing shade over the punishing gaze of the sun. In St. Louis, where oppressive humidity made it feel like 106 degrees, Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz vomited on the field. And in London, play at Wimbledon was halted for 16 minutes as a spectator received medical assistance on the hottest opening day in the tournament's storied history. Advertisement In recent weeks, no matter the sport or setting, one constant has connected competitions around the globe: scorching temperatures. How bad has it been? 'Terribly hot,' Atletico Madrid midfielder Marcos Llorente said after a Club World Cup game in mid-June in Pasadena, Calif. 'My toenails were hurting.' With the world's most well-conditioned athletes hurting for relief, observers wonder how challenging conditions could become — and how the sports world will cope. 'We had days where, like, Philadelphia had a low that didn't get below 80 degrees,' said Peter Mullinax, meteorologist with the National Weather Service's Weather Prediction Center. 'That's quite exceptional, for June especially. It can happen in July and August, but to have the kind of heat, when we saw it in June, really stands out for much of the Midwest and the Northeast.' Much of the U.S. recorded temperatures above normal in recent weeks, Mullinax added. New York City — one of the World Cup host cities next summer, along with Philadelphia — had three days in June with highs above 95 degrees, which last happened in 1988. Soccer has faced this kind of heat disruption before. In 2022, FIFA moved the World Cup in Qatar from its traditional June and July period to November and December to avoid the heat. Fans at this summer's Club World Cup have voiced frustration over matches being held in the day's hottest hours. Last month, international football's global players' union urged FIFA to reschedule midday and afternoon kick-offs for next summer's World Cup and to add more cooling breaks, citing concerns over extreme heat. That followed a January study warning that afternoon matches at the 2026 World Cup could expose players and fans to 'potentially dangerous levels of heat.' The risks of competing — and even spectating — in extreme heat are serious. Heat-related illness can escalate quickly, from cramps and dehydration to heat stroke, which can be fatal. Julien Periard, professor and deputy director at the University of Canberra Research Institute for Sport and Exercise, noted that athletes have competed in the summer heat for centuries. But as heat waves become more severe and longer-lasting, he's seen more athletes — like soccer and rugby players — use heat acclimation strategies previously reserved for endurance athletes like runners or cyclists. Tampa Bay Rays starter Ryan Pepiot described putting his pitching hand inside a device designed to reduce body temperature, while soccer teams often do a 'sweat analysis' to figure out which athletes dehydrate faster and need more electrolytes. Advertisement 'There's a lot more uptake in heat acclimation and acclimatization, a lot more uptake of different cooling strategies and having planned hydration strategies for different sports,' Periard said. 'So there's a lot more knowledge being developed and a lot more adoption around that.' Teams are increasingly installing water stations on sidelines. They're also building venues that feature retractable roofs, larger shaded areas and the ability to double as disaster-relief sites. 'Everything is being affected by this, and every sport venue is affected,' said Allan Hershkowitz, an environmental scientist who has worked with the NBA, NHL, MLB and other leagues for decades on reducing emissions and promoting environmentalism. Hershkowitz has seen a noticeable shift in recent years in how teams and leagues think about protecting against heat and climate change. For decades, he couldn't even use the phrase climate change. He opted for the phrase 'energy efficiency' to get his points across. But when asked if he thinks the U.S. is ready for events like the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics, Hershkowitz's answer was clear: 'Of course not.' In recent months, the Trump administration has rolled back climate initiatives, attempted to lay off National Weather Service staff and proposed deep cuts to green energy programs totaling billions of dollars. 'All the venues are limited by the ecological infrastructure of their host community, and overwhelmingly, host communities are unprepared for the rapidly worsening changes that climate disruption is instigating,' said Hershkowitz, who left the Australian Open early this year after fearing that he would pass out at the venue. Jessica Murfree, assistant professor in the Department of Exercise and Sport Science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, expects to see more disruptions in sporting events. 'There are more adjustments to the sporting calendar related to climate hazards than there have ever been,' Murfree said. 'This is an upward trend. Just as climate shows up in our everyday lives, it shows up in our sport lives too.' Looking ahead, the National Weather Service's Mullinax said sweltering conditions are likely to persist, particularly in the Midwest and on the East Coast. 'Climatologically speaking,' he said, 'July is the hottest time of year.'
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
Memorial Day 2025 weekend USA weather forecast: Location wise snow, rainfall details are out
Memorial Day 2025 weekend is here and millions across the US will travel to their favourite destinations. Temperatures over the holiday weekend will be a study in contrasts — from warm across much of the South and West to cool across much of the Midwest and Northeast, said Peter Mullinax, a meteorologist at the federal Weather Prediction Center. A slow-moving nor'easter will cause chilly air, rain and gusty winds to remain in parts of the Northeast on Friday. Snow may fall over the highest elevations in New England. The rain will tend to be more showery from the Great Lakes to the central Appalachians and the mid-Atlantic. Much of the zone from the western Great Lakes to the Ohio Valley and the Carolinas can expect a dry day, well away from the storm's influence. Farther south, high pressure will provide mainly sunny and warm conditions for the Southeast states. One exception is South Florida, where some heavy thunderstorm activity is anticipated. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like You won't believe what your old car is worth today Cars24 Book Now Undo by Taboola by Taboola Farther west, a gathering storm system will produce an expanding zone of showers and thunderstorms over the central and southern Plains. Some of the storms will become severe, with high winds, hail and tornadoes. Flash flooding is forecast to develop and expand around the Ozarks as the weekend progresses. In the West, many areas will be dry and warm with sunshine. Showers and spotty thunderstorms will occur from Montana to southwest Idaho and eastern Oregon. West Coast beaches can expect some afternoon sunshine after patchy low clouds and fog in the morning. Live Events Meanwhile, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on Thursday predicted a more intense Atlantic hurricane season this year -- even as the Trump administration moves to gut the agency's workforce and slash its budget. NOAA is forecasting a 60 percent chance of an above-normal season, with between 13 to 19 named storms with winds of 39 mph (63 kph) or higher. Of those, six to 10 are expected to become hurricanes with winds of 74 mph or higher, including three to five major hurricanes classed as categories three, four, or five, with sustained winds of at least 111 mph. There is also a 30 percent chance of a near-normal season and a 10 percent chance of a below-normal season, the agency said. Last year, five storms that were big enough that they were assigned names caused economic losses exceeding a billion dollars, adjusted for inflation, according to NOAA. The deadliest of these was Helene, responsible for 250 US deaths — the most since Hurricane Katrina in 2005. FAQs Q1. When is Memorial Day 2025 weekend starting? A1. Memorial Day 2025 weekend is starting from May 24. Q2. What is full form of NOAA? A2. The full form of NOAA is the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
'SEEK HIGHER GROUND NOW!': Atmospheric river dumps up to a foot of rain on Southeast.
ARLINGTON, Va. − A sprawling atmospheric river that hammered the Southeast with up to a foot of rain was sweeping through the Mid-Atlantic states Tuesday, driving multiple inches of rain and the threat of coastal flooding, forecasters said. A "flash flood emergency" was declared in portions of far western Maryland by mid-afternoon due to the heavy rain, which has neared 5 inches in some areas, the National Weather Service said. In southwestern Allegany County, Maryland, the weather service warned residents that "This is a PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. SEEK HIGHER GROUND NOW!" Evacuations are ongoing northeast of Barton, Maryland, and the water in Georges Creek is reaching residences and businesses in Westernport, Maryland, after the creek rose six feet in three hours. Evacuations from flooding also have been reported in Mineral County, West Virginia. Flood watches have been been issued across the Washington, D.C., area including suburban Virginia, western Maryland and parts of West Virginia, the weather service said. Total rainfall amounts of up to 3 inches are expected, and there could be up to 5 inches along the Blue Ridge Mountains. Parts of central North Carolina, still recovering from the furious rains fueled by the the remnants of Hurricane Helene in September, could see 5 inches through Wednesday, the National Weather Service warned. The risk of flash flooding will stretch all the way into Pennsylvania. "There will continue to be a risk of heavy rain and strong to severe thunderstorms over the next couple of days," the weather service office in Morehead City, North Carolina, posted on social media. "Please be sure to have multiple ways to receive warnings, and please avoid flooded roads." Major storm: Gulf Coast to Virginia could be swamped with buckets of rain this week Atmospheric rivers are long, narrow stretches of atmosphere that transport vast amounts of water vapor − like rivers in the sky. Atmospheric rivers can vary greatly in size and strength, but the weather service says the the average atmospheric river carries an amount of water vapor roughly equivalent to the average flow of water at the mouth of the Mississippi River. Exceptionally strong atmospheric rivers can transport up to 15 times that amount of water. This atmospheric river has been hovering over the Southeast for days, trapped by a strong high pressure system to the north. Although much of the Mid-Atlantic region has been experiencing moderate to severe drought conditions, rainfall rates could become "heavy enough to support a flash flood threat," wrote meteorologist Peter Mullinax in the National Weather Service's short-range forecast discussion. Mullinax added that there was a "dearth of flood watches" in parts of Virginia and North Carolina. The "deep fetch" of Atlantic moisture will reach to the Great Lakes and the Ohio and Tennessee valleys, prompting widespread storms, Mullinax said. Thunderstorms will be more isolated there Wednesday, while rains will advance into the Northeast through Wednesday. In North Carolina, the arts-and-tourism town of Asheville was devastated by Helene's rains eight months ago. Homes and businesses were destroyed, bridges and highways were washed out, and the water system was severely damaged. The area has slowly recovered, and the luxury Grand Bohemian Asheville Lodge, closed since Helene, reopened May 8 after a $20 million renovation. Now the National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook for the area, warning of heavy rainfall and potential flooding through Tuesday. Rainfall totals are expected to reach 2 inches in higher elevations east of Asheville, and some areas could potentially receive up to 3.5 inches. A heat wave continued to envelop the Midwest. Records tumbled in recent days: It reached a startling 100 degrees in Humboldt, Minnesota, and 99 degrees in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Near record or record highs were forecast in many areas for Tuesday, and high winds and dry conditions prompted red flag fire warnings in much of the region. In Kansas City, Missouri, the weather service said the warming trend continues, peaking midweek with highs approaching 90 degrees. Denver could see 86 degrees Tuesday. The storm moving into the Mid-Atlantic had earlier stalled over the Southeast over the weekend, overwhelming some cities with rain. In Georgia, almost 7 inches of rain fell in Savannah and over 3 inches in Augusta. Over 4 inches of rain fell on Columbia, South Carolina. Some rural areas of South Carolina, Georgia and the Florida Panhandle were deluged with up to a foot of rain in recent days, AccuWeather reported. Some rivers in the Southeast are forecast to reach flood levels later this week. A flood watch was in effect for northern Virginia, Washington, D.C., and suburban Maryland, the weather service said. A coastal flood advisory has been issued across parts of New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware with potential flooding and water surges in low-lying coastal areas. Coastal cities along the Atlantic such as Miami and Charleston, South Carolina, already prone to high-tide flooding, could face increased flood risk if heavy rain adds pressure to already taxed drainage systems, AccuWeather said. Contributing: Iris Seaton and Will Hofmann, Asheville Citizen Times; Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA TODAY This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Flash flood 'emergency': Atmospheric river hits Southeast, Mid-Atlantic
