Summerlike Heat to Grip Southeast Through This Week

By Courtney Spamer, Meteorologist

June 15,2015; 9:44PM,EDT

 

 

Following more than 2 inches of rain in some places last week, the new week will bring a change for the Southeast.
The ridge of high pressure in South Carolina continues to shield the Southeast from the increased surge of gulf moisture in Texas and Louisiana.
Instead of rounds of rain, the high will allow summerlike heat to build.

Afternoon highs continued to swell through the weekend in the Southeast after already reaching or surpassing 90 F in places like Raleigh, North Carolina, and Charleston, South Carolina on Friday.
Raleigh stands to create a long heat wave. Officially defined as a stretch of three consecutive days above 90 F, the Triangle could be in for a heat wave that lasts a full week.
The stretch of warm, dry days will also bring some of the warmest temperatures this year in places from Atlanta to Richmond, Virginia. Highs will be reaching the mid-90s by early in the work-week. With normal highs in mid-June near 85 F, this is way above average.

Combined with dew points climbing into the lower 70s, the afternoons will be oppressive with AccuWeather RealFeel® temperatures soaring into triple digits.
Persistent heat and predominantly dry weather is expected to continue into the middle of the week. Finally on Wednesday or Thursday, the high pressure will weaken and move off into the Atlantic Ocean.
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Until then, the best way to beat the heat is to remain indoors and in air conditioning, particularly during the warmest part of the day in the afternoon and early evening.

If you do venture outdoors, be sure to stay properly dressed, protecting yourself with a hat and light, loose-fitting clothing. Pack sunscreen for extended time in the sun and drink plenty of water.