MWN Blog: Steamy heat settling into the Mid-South

By most standards, this summer has actually been relatively mild in the Memphis metro. While May was warmer than average, the hottest it got was 92°. June's average temperature was 2° below normal and once again the highest temperature was 92°. July also finished a little over a degree below normal despite some hotter days. However, the high temperature only eclipsed the average high (92°) on five occasions and the hottest we got was 95°. Granted the humidity in mid-July pushed the heat index close to 110° a few days, but the end of the month was actually quite pleasant as dewpoints backed off for a good stretch of time. And to start August? Well, Tuesday and Wednesday were in the mid 90s, but otherwise each day has averaged below normal. All that to say - summer isn't over!

Heat builds, humidity lingers

A strong ridge of high pressure in the mid levels of the atmosphere is centered over Texas this morning but will expand east into the Mid-South as we head into the beginning of the week. That ridge will help to push temperatures up into the mid to maybe upper 90s in a few spots by the start of the week.

The European model through Wednesday morning shows a mid-level (500mb, or 18,000 feet) ridge of high pressure expanding from Texas north and east into the area to start the week. Yellow colors show where high pressure is stronger than normal. Blues are anomalously lower pressure areas. You can see at the end of the loop how the yellows retreat though as high pressure weakens. (WeatherBell)

And as you know in the Mid-South, it isn't just the heat, it's the humidity! Plenty of moisture from recent rain, as well as southerly wind originating over the Gulf of Mexico, will keep our dewpoints well above even sultry Memphis standards - in the mid to upper 70s. That means high humidity levels will couple with the building heat to create conditions that could become dangerous.

The NAM model shows forecast dewpoints through mid-day Tuesday. There is no reprieve from mid to upper 70s dewpoints, which means high humidity values to go with the strengthening high pressure. That combination produces excessive heat conditions. (WeatherBell)

A hot forecast

"Typical" summertime heat can be expected today (Saturday) with highs near 90° but with dewpoints in the mid 70s, look for heat indices to top the century mark this afternoon. An isolated shower or thunderstorm can't be ruled out, but most of those will be southwest of Memphis and could affect north MS.

Sunday will see the upper level ridge expand closer. Coupled with low rain chances outside of a few possible morning showers, highs should reach the mid 90s. Dewpoints remain in the mid 70s or a touch higher, so expect heat indices to climb towards 110°. This will match the hottest days we've had so far this summer.

Monday will start even warmer as the ridge builds and dewpoints remain high with lows just below 80°. That will allow highs to climb to the hottest so far this year, around 97°. Dewpoints in the upper 70s will put heat indices at a dangerous level, near 115° in the afternoon, just in time for kids to return to school.

One more day of excessive heat occurs on Tuesday with similar conditions to Monday - heat indices topping out above 110° and high temperatures near 97°. We could start to see a few thunderstorms around the area by Tuesday afternoon and evening. Fortunately, Tuesday marks the end of the excessive heat, so while intense, it won't be prolonged.

A marked shift in the upper level pattern allows a cold front to move through Tuesday night or Wednesday morning. Additional showers and thunderstorms are possible during that period, leaving most of Wednesday dry with falling dewpoints and highs back down to average levels near 90°. The rest of the week should see highs just below average and (better yet) humidity readings also below average!

Heat Preparation and Safety

Excessive heat is nothing to mess around with. First remember that temperature and heat index is computed in the shade! Add multiple degrees if in direct sunlight. A heat index reading above 105° is considered dangerous. Physical effects to the body often build slowly, so it is important to make sure that you are prepared. Of course, avoidance is best. Stay in climate-controlled areas as much as possible and check regularly on those without air conditioning. Warm overnight temperatures will compound the issue.

If you must be out for any length of time, plan frequent breaks and drink plenty of water before before, during, and after exposure. Light-colored clothing that reflects heat and loose-fitting garments that allow the body to breathe are best. Listen to your body and know the effects of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

You certainly also want to make sure you take care of your pets with plenty of water and a shaded place to stay if they are outside, otherwise allow them in during the hottest parts of the day.

And finally, it should go without saying, NEVER leave a young person unattended in your vehicle for any length of time. It only takes minutes for the inside of a car to get dangerously hot. LOOK BEFORE YOU LOCK.

Erik Proseus
MWN Meteorologist

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