A significant heat wave is set to impact the southeastern United States this weekend and into the week ahead, with extreme temperatures expected across several states. The National Weather Service has issued heat advisories stretching from central Florida to Virginia, warning of dangerous conditions characterized by highs in the upper 90s Fahrenheit and heat indices climbing as high as 110 degrees Fahrenheit.
Particularly intense warnings have been issued for eastern North Carolina, including Raleigh, where temperatures are projected to reach or exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Some areas could see heat indices soar up to 115 degrees Fahrenheit as the heat wave peaks on Sunday evening. Over 163 million individuals are currently under various heat alerts, highlighting the widespread nature of this dangerous weather event.
Meteorologists, including CBS News’s Andrew Kozak, indicate that temperatures this weekend may be 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit above seasonal averages, resulting from a heat dome phenomenon—an atmospheric scenario where hot air is trapped under a high-pressure system. As a result, the Southeast is likely to experience a prolonged period of extreme heat, with increased risk for heat-related illnesses under such conditions.
The National Weather Service has issued safety recommendations to combat the heat. Suggestions include drinking plenty of fluids, staying in air-conditioned spaces, avoiding sun exposure, and checking on neighbors or relatives. Moreover, limiting strenuous activities to early mornings or evenings and wearing lightweight clothing are also advised.
Cities including Raleigh, Charlotte in North Carolina, and Atlanta in Georgia are facing heightened extreme heat risks that could persist for several days, affecting more than 30 million people at the height of this heat wave. Similarly, the Midwest is gearing up for a humid weekend, with extreme heat watches in place for parts of Nebraska, Iowa, and Minnesota.
While the weather brings challenges, it’s an opportunity for communities to come together, checking on each other and ensuring those most vulnerable—such as the elderly—are safe during this heat wave.
In addition to the heat, parts of Iowa experienced significant storms, leading to flash flood warnings, showing that while some areas face extreme heat, others are contending with heavy rainfall and severe weather events.