Latest news with #heatindex
CBS News
an hour ago
- Climate
- CBS News
Heat advisory for Chicago area starts today; humidity adds to dangerous temperatures
A Heat Advisory is in effect for the entire Chicago area Wednesday, lasting through Thursday night, as high temps and humidity combine to make a heat index well into the triple digits. While actual temperatures today and tomorrow are in the mid- to high-90s, the humidity will make it feel like anywhere from 105 to 115 degrees. The humidity is driven at least in part by what's commonly called "corn sweat," an agricultural phenomenon formally called transpiration in which plants release water from their leaves to help them move water. Corn, soybeans, alfalfa and sugarcane are crops with high levels of transpiration, which releases more moisture into the air; Illinois leads the country in corn growth with about 11 million acres planted. The Heat Advisory was issued for Boone, Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Lake, Will, Kane, Kankakee, LaSalle, Kendall and McHenry counties in Illinois and Benton, Jasper, Lake, Newton and Porter counties in Indiana until 10 p.m. Thursday night. In such extreme heat, anyone going outside should make sure they drink water before leaving the house and continue to drink water as often as possible while outside. Doctors recommend drinking water every 20 minutes if possible. It's also advisable to wear light-colored clothing which reflects the sun instead of absorbing heat. Cooling centers are open in Chicago and Cook County to help people who don't have air conditioning or access to reliable air conditioning, and officials are asking residents to make sure they check on their elderly or health compromised neighbors to ensure they're staying safe in the dangerous temperatures. All Chicago public pools are also open, most from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., as are city splashpads and water features in parks. Still, in such extreme heat and humidity, experts recommend staying inside as much as possible, and seeking shade when you do leave the house. Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are major risks during these weather events, especially with high humidity. It is easy to become overheated and dehydrated in high temperatures, so it is essential to make sure you are drinking enough water. Heat exhaustion is milder than heat stroke. Heatstroke is a serious illness that happens when the body begins to lose its ability to regulate its own temperature and functions, and can result in permanent disability or death if not treated as quickly as possible. Heat exhaustion symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, irritability, thirst, heavy sweating, high body temperature and decreased urine output. If you or someone you know is experiencing heat exhaustion move into a cool indoor space or shade immediately, give them liquids to drink, remove unnecessary clothing including shoes and socks, used cold water or a cold compress to cool the person down on their head, face and neck, and frequently sip cold water. The CDC also encourages calling 911 or taking the person to an urgent care clinic or the emergency room for treatment. Heatstroke symptoms include confusion, altered mental status, slurred speech, hot and dry skin or profuse sweating, very high body temperature, loss of consciousness, and very high body temperature. If treatment is delayed, it can quickly become fatal, the CDC says. If you are with someone experiencing heat stroke, call 911 immediately and stay with that person until help arrives. Move them into a shaded, cool area and remove their outer clothing then work to cool them down as quickly as you can with cold water or an ice bath if possible. Wet the skin or place cold, wet clothes on the skin, or soak their clothing with cold water. You should also circulate the air around them by fanning to help cool them off. The CDC also recommends placing cold wet cloth or ice on the head, neck, armpits and groin to help cool them faster.
CBS News
12 hours ago
- Climate
- CBS News
Dangerous heat returns to Southeast Michigan this week
Thursday is a NEXT Weather Alert Day in Southeast Michigan for dangerous heat, which returns for one day only. The late part of this week is at the center of a fiery bullseye as temperatures and dewpoints spike. Highs on Thursday will top out in the low 90s, but the biggest issue is the heat index, which will reach the 100 to 105 degree range. When the heat index reaches these temperatures, the heat stress on your body overcomes its ability to cool itself on its own. With the criteria we expect to be at, a heat advisory will likely be issued by the end of the day on Wednesday. A warning requires three hours or more of 105-plus degrees heat indices. Take breaks in air conditioning, stay hydrated, and we'll have a chance to cool a bit on Friday.
Washington Post
a day ago
- Climate
- Washington Post
CWG Live updates: Best day of July today before heat and humidity build again
Welcome to updated around-the-clock by Capital Weather Gang meteorologists. Happening now: About as pleasant as July can be today with sunshine and low humidity. Morning temperatures rise into and through the 70s, then afternoon highs in the low to mid-80s. What's next? A touch warmer tomorrow but still not bad, then gradually hotter and more humid into the weekend, especially Friday, when the heat index could be near or over 105. Storm chances are back late week as well. Today's daily digit — 10/10: This looks like the absolute top-shelf day of July thanks to ample sunshine, low humidity and temperatures several degrees below normal. | 🤚 Your call? The digit is a somewhat subjective rating of the day's weather, on a 0-to-10 scale. Forecast in detail Today (Tuesday): We're loving the low humidity out there (dew points down in the delightful mid-50s to near 60) after weeks of maximum mugginess. Mostly sunny skies are also welcome as highs reach the pleasant low to mid-80s. There may still be a touch of haze at times due to lingering wildfire smoke in the upper atmosphere. Light winds from the northeast at 5 to 10 mph. Confidence: High-Five 😎 Nice Day! Tonight: An absolutely perfect summer evening in the 70s with mostly clear skies. There is a slight uptick in humidity (already, I know) with lows from the mid-60s to near 70. Light breezes from the east and southeast. Confidence: High Tomorrow (Wednesday): Mostly sunny and still not too uncomfortable with highs in the mid- to upper 80s. But humidity does trend back up into the moderate range (dew points in the mid-60s). Light winds from the southeast at 5 to 10 mph. Confidence: High Tomorrow night: Mostly clear and a bit muggier with lows in the upper 60s to low 70s. Confidence: High A look ahead Thursday finds more typical July heat as highs reach near 90 to the low 90s with mostly sunny skies and moderate to borderline high humidity. Thursday night features a few clouds with lows ranging through the muggier 70s. Confidence: High Friday has a shot to be the hottest day of this month so far with highs in the mid-90s to maybe upper 90s as humidity moves into the uncomfortably high range. That sends heat indexes into unsafe territory near or above 105. Skies are partly to mostly sunny with an isolated afternoon or evening thunderstorm possible. Friday night finds partly cloudy skies and very muggy lows in the mid- to upper 70s. Ick. Confidence: Medium-High The weekend starts super hot with Saturday highs probably well into the 90s again. Sunday may scale back to low to mid-90s. Both days should be partly sunny and have a shot at afternoon to evening scattered thunderstorms with heavy downpours possible. Saturday night should be partly to mostly cloudy with high humidity and lows in the 70s. Confidence: Medium Next week looks to stay hot through midweek with highs probably around 90 to 95 and daily thunderstorm chances. But another welcome cool front should shift highs down into the 80s late in the week along with another humidity timeout as the calendar flips to August. Today's daily digit — 10/10: This looks like the absolute top-shelf day of July thanks to ample sunshine, low humidity and temperatures several degrees below normal. | 🤚 Your call? The digit is a somewhat subjective rating of the day's weather, on a 0-to-10 scale. Forecast in detail Today (Tuesday): We're loving the low humidity out there (dew points down in the delightful mid-50s to near 60) after weeks of maximum mugginess. Mostly sunny skies are also welcome as highs reach the pleasant low to mid-80s. There may still be a touch of haze at times due to lingering wildfire smoke in the upper atmosphere. Light winds from the northeast at 5 to 10 mph. Confidence: High-Five 😎 Nice Day! Tonight: An absolutely perfect summer evening in the 70s with mostly clear skies. There is a slight uptick in humidity (already, I know) with lows from the mid-60s to near 70. Light breezes from the east and southeast. Confidence: High Tomorrow (Wednesday): Mostly sunny and still not too uncomfortable with highs in the mid- to upper 80s. But humidity does trend back up into the moderate range (dew points in the mid-60s). Light winds from the southeast at 5 to 10 mph. Confidence: High Tomorrow night: Mostly clear and a bit muggier with lows in the upper 60s to low 70s. Confidence: High A look ahead Thursday finds more typical July heat as highs reach near 90 to the low 90s with mostly sunny skies and moderate to borderline high humidity. Thursday night features a few clouds with lows ranging through the muggier 70s. Confidence: High Friday has a shot to be the hottest day of this month so far with highs in the mid-90s to maybe upper 90s as humidity moves into the uncomfortably high range. That sends heat indexes into unsafe territory near or above 105. Skies are partly to mostly sunny with an isolated afternoon or evening thunderstorm possible. Friday night finds partly cloudy skies and very muggy lows in the mid- to upper 70s. Ick. Confidence: Medium-High The weekend starts super hot with Saturday highs probably well into the 90s again. Sunday may scale back to low to mid-90s. Both days should be partly sunny and have a shot at afternoon to evening scattered thunderstorms with heavy downpours possible. Saturday night should be partly to mostly cloudy with high humidity and lows in the 70s. Confidence: Medium Next week looks to stay hot through midweek with highs probably around 90 to 95 and daily thunderstorm chances. But another welcome cool front should shift highs down into the 80s late in the week along with another humidity timeout as the calendar flips to August.
CBS News
2 days ago
- Climate
- CBS News
Heat dome map shows dangerous temperatures across U.S. Corn Belt, parts of the South
A heat dome is trapping over 90 million Americans in extreme temperatures this week with the National Weather Service issuing heat alerts from Nebraska to Florida. Dangerous heat threatens to bake much of the Mississippi Valley and parts of the U.S. Southeast from Tuesday through at least Thursday, with temperatures over 100 degrees expected in some areas. Some places could see heat index values, or feels-like temperatures, 110 to 115 degrees. While not expected to reach record highs, temperatures are still forecasted to be about 10 to 15 degrees above average compared to what they typically are this time of year. As the extreme heat hits parts of the Corn Belt, a region over part of the Plains and Central Mississippi Valley where heat index values could reach between 105 and 110 degrees, high humidity is also expected. The common phenomenon is known as corn sweat, which occurs when extreme heat beats down on corn crop and causes it to perspire and increase the humidity in the air. Although record highs aren't forecasted this week, overnight lows in the mid 70s to low 80s could possibly break record high minimums in states like Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, South Carolina and Tennessee, according to Climate Central, a nonprofit that analyzes climate change data. High humidity coupled with extreme temperatures is dangerous because the combination significantly increases the likelihood of heat-related illnesses. Little to no overnight relief also poses a greater threat to health, NWS Prediction Center says. Climate change has made excessive heat in July at least three times more likely for nearly 160 million people in the U.S., nearly half the population, a Climate Central analysis found. Using its calculation of data and what is called a Climate Shift Index (CSI), the nonprofit said Monday that human-caused climate change made this extreme heat at least five times more likely for certain areas, from Salt Lake City and Santa Fe, New Mexico, to Tallahassee, Florida, and Montgomery, Alabama. The CSI uses real-time data to estimate how climate change has increased the likelihood of a particular daily temperature, according to Climate Central. Last month, another heat dome exposed nearly half of the country to dangerously high temperatures. On June 24, seven states tied or broke monthly high temperature records, many exceeding triple digits. One of those states, Maryland, reported that 472 people needed medical assistance for heat-related illnesses during that time when the heat index topped 110 degrees in some places. With such events becoming more common, Democratic lawmakers last week proposed legislation to classify extreme heat as a disaster, which would allow federal funding to flow into areas where hotter temperatures cause significant physical and economic distress.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- 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
