Dangerous Heat to Sizzle Plains, Southern US This Week

By Jordan Root, Meteorologist

July 27,2015; 10:34PM,EDT

 

 

Folks in the Plains and South will want to keep extra water nearby this week as dangerous heat is expected to continue across a large portion of the region.
An area spanning from Kansas to Texas and eastward to the Southeast will experience sizzling temperatures for several days this week. Temperatures are forecast to reach into the 90s Fahrenheit and even near 100 F for many communities.
"There will be several opportunities for Dallas to reach 100 F this week" said AccuWeather Meteorologist Danny Pydynowski.
In addition to Dallas, other cities at risk for several days of sweltering conditions include Little Rock, Arkansas, Kansas City, Memphis, Tennessee, and St. Louis. For some, this will just be an extension of last week's weather.

A large dome of high pressure has settled over the southern Plains, which has locked in sizzling and steamy conditions over the region. The heat has been around for a while in some locations such as Dallas where high temperatures have been at or above average since July 12.
This dome will slowly shift a bit farther east through the middle of the week which will increase temperatures closer to the Mississippi Valley.
Temperatures are forecast to be a few degrees above normal for several days in a row across the Plains. Factored in with the humidity, the heat will lead to extremely dangerous conditions for those outdoors.
AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures each afternoon will hover between 105 F and 115 F for many locations, presenting very dangerous conditions for people, including the risk for heat exhaustion.
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"If people have to be outdoors during the peak heating hours each day, they should take breaks in the shade or indoors if they are able to do so," Pydynowski said.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, weakness and dizziness, nausea or vomiting and fainting.
There are several ways to help avoid heat-related illnesses. Wearing light-colored clothing, staying hydrated and eating the right foods can all help in beating the heat.
Pydynowski also suggests moving outdoor activities to the mornings and evenings if possible, to help avoid the hottest time of the day.
Make sure to check on pets, children, and the elderly frequently during events like this. Never leave your child or pet unattended in a car. In just over two minutes, temperatures inside a vehicle reach unsafe levels.
Some relief is on the horizon for parts of the Plains. A cold front will bring a cooldown to the northern and central Plains towards the middle of the week in addition to some severe weather. However, the front will fail to reach the southern Plains.