Hottest Temperatures So Far in 2016 Arriving In Plains, Midwest and South

Jonathan Belles
Published: June 11,2016
Record highs will be threatened this weekend and into early next week as temperatures climb into the upper 90s and low 100s in the Plains, Midwest and South.
For many cities, the temperatures will be the hottest of 2016 so far. Though that is to be expected since the official start of summer is right around the corner.
In addition, dew points will be high as well, making it feel even hotter for many locations.

Weekend Heat

An upper-level ridge is slowly migrating eastward across the Heartland and it may bring record-breaking temperatures. Highs will be 15 to 25 degrees above average across much of the nation's midsection Saturday. Humidity is also on the increase.
Heat advisories are in effect into Sunday for portions of South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, and Iowa.
(MORE: Western Heat Set Records)

Baking Heat

On Saturday, more than a dozen states may have cities flirting with or breaking record high temperatures. High pressure will stack the deck toward highs in the mid to upper 90s across much of the Heartland and South and may bring a few 100s to the mid-Mississippi Valley. Some showers and thunderstorms, however, may cool off the Gulf Coast.
(FORECAST: Billings, Montana | Bismarck, North Dakota | Rapid City, South Dakota | Des Moines, Iowa) 

Saturday's Departure From Average

Dew points will be well into the 60s this weekend, with some locations climbing into the 70s. When the high dew point values are combined with temperatures in the 90s, it will feel even hotter. In some spots, feels-like temperatures will reach into the 100 to 105 degree range at times.

Feels-Like Temperature Forecast

On Sunday, the heat arrives into the Carolinas as the ridge continues its trek eastward. Highs will be in the mid 90s to low 100s in the Carolinas, while staying very warm in the central Plains and Ohio Valley with highs in the 90s.

Sunday's Departure From Average

The hot conditions will persist into Monday, with the core of the heat centered from the Ohio Valley into the Carolinas. Highs will once again rise into the 90s, which is 5 to 15 degrees warmer than average.
Selected records that may be broken through Monday:

City	Day Threatened	Record (year)
Rapid City, SD	Saturday	101 (1956)
Des Moines, IA	Saturday	97 (1918)
Green Bay, WI	Saturday	91 (1973)
St. Louis, MO	Saturday	98 (1933)
Nashville	Saturday	99 (1914)
Atlanta	Saturday	96 (1952)
Springfield, IL	Sunday	95 (2013)
St. Louis, MO	Sunday	98 (1953)
Raleigh, NC	Sunday	98 (2002)
Columbia, SC	Sunday	100 (1977)
Atlanta	Monday	98 (1958)
Charlotte, NC	Monday	97 (1958)
Nashville	Monday	96 (1880)
Peoria, IL	Monday	98 (1894)

Nashville and Springfield, Illinois, are currently forecast to be near 100 degrees on Saturday, which would be the first 100-degree day for both cities since July 2012 if the century mark is reached.
Chicago reached 90 degrees for the first time this season on Friday. Temperatures may climb even higher into mid 90s on Saturday before much cooler air arrives Sunday. Detroit and Cincinnati are two other locations that may see their first official 90-degree readings of the year this weekend.

Potential Impacts

This type of heat can be life-threatening for some, especially if you aren't adequately prepared. Remember: heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, are possible under these extreme conditions. If you are traveling with young children or pets, please do not leave them unattended in a hot vehicle.
The National Weather Service has issued some great heat safety tips.

• Drink before you are thirsty.
• Do NOT leave kids or pets in the car, even for a minute! 
• Reduce time in the sun.
• Avoid strenuous activity; postpone outdoor activities.
• Seek air-conditioned buildings.
• Help the elderly, kids and pets stay cool.
• Keep window blinds closed.

MORE: Hot Summer of 2012 (PHOTOS)