Next week, millions of people in the United States will be bracing themselves for an extreme heat wave that will cause the heat index, also known as the temperature that feels like it is in the triple digits, to reach triple digits across the Midwest and Upper Great Lakes.
According to Bryan Howell, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service (NWS) who works at the Duluth, Minnesota office, temperatures in Duluth are expected to reach as high as 93 degrees Fahrenheit on Sunday.
This is close to the record high of 94 degrees Fahrenheit, which was established in 1910. When it comes to this time of year, the average high temperature in Duluth is closer to 71 degrees.
Extreme heat watches were issued for a number of states, including Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, South Dakota, and Nebraska, as of the afternoon of Wednesday.
Even though the region is prone to experiencing hot weather during the summer, meteorologists from the National Weather Service (NWS) have issued a warning that the upcoming heat wave will bring “dangerously” hot conditions.
These conditions have the potential to increase the risk of heat illness and pose serious dangers to individuals who spend time outside without taking the appropriate precautions.
The exceptionally hot weather poses a significant risk to people who work outside or who engage in activities that take place outside during the hottest parts of the day.
According to the HeatRisk forecast tool developed by the National Weather Service, widespread “extreme” heat is expected to start moving into the region some time on Sunday. Beginning on Monday, the heat will have an impact on a wider range of states, including Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Missouri, and certain regions of Tennessee.
“This level of rare and/or long-duration extreme heat with little to no overnight relief affects anyone without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration,” according to the NWS. “Impacts likely in most health systems, heat-sensitive industries and infrastructure.”
Much of the central, midwestern, and northeastern United States is predicted to experience major heat, one degree below the extreme indicator.
Read Also: Flash Flood Traps More Than 100 Girl Scouts at PA Camp, All Safely Rescued
As the heat wave moves eastward, the current heat watches predict that temperatures will rise on Friday and continue to do so throughout the weekend.
AccuWeather forecasters warn of high humidity, which can exacerbate the heat, in addition to the heat.
The sun is at its strongest as the summer solstice draws near. Heat exposure like this can significantly raise the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can also affect healthy people, according to AccuWeather meteorologists.
Monday is predicted to see the most widespread heat, with much of the region experiencing above-normal temperatures for the first half of the week.
