Heat wave building over the region this weekend

A very warm week is ending with the passage of a front (I refuse to call it a cold front).  Ahead of that front, a complex of thunderstorms passed through the region in the early morning hours today.  At Cirrus Weather Solutions in Bartlett, we recorded just over an inch of rain in about 2 1/2 hours.  It was much-needed, and though a Severe Thunderstorm Watch was in effect at the time it passed through, no severe weather was reported anywhere in the area.

The front will dissipate to our south before cooler or drier air can make it into the region.  As high pressure builds back in, both at the surface and aloft, we'll be left with high humidity and hot temperatures.  June's average temperature of 83.7 degrees was the 4th warmest June on record in Memphis (following the 2nd warmest June last year), but we didn't have a stretch of heat AND humidity like we are about to enter into for at least the first half of next week.  MWN is predicting 4-5 days of high temperatures near 100 and dewpoints in the lower to mid 70s. This combination of heat and humidity could push heat indices well into the danger category, topping out near 110 or higher to start the week. In fact, a Heat Advisory has just been issued by the NWS for this weekend for the entire metro area except Tipton County, and the statement mentions the possibility of an Excessive Heat Warning for early next week.

Beginning tomorrow and continuing into next week, you will need to practice your heat wave safety tips.  A full set of tips can be found here, but for starters, check out these:

1.  Stay indoors as much as possible (ozone levels will also be elevated, which could create problems for those with lung conditions or difficulty breathing).
2.  If outdoors, drink plenty of water or other non-alcoholic, non-carbonated beverages.
3. Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing.
4. Listen to your body and do not over-exert yourself. Heat exhasution and heat stroke can come on quickly.
5. Try and accomplish outdoor tasks in the early morning or late evening hours.
6. Keep a watchful eye on the very young, elderly, and pets.  Be sure outdoor pets have plenty of fresh, cool water.
7. NEVER leave any living thing (people or animals) in a vehicle without a properly running air conditioner, even for a short period of time.

MWN will keep you updated on this potentially serious weather situation.  Check out the MWN Forecast for full details on what to expect.

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