There is no heat reduction for across much of the Lower 48 this week, according to Monday’s forecast from the National Weather Service.
The NWS reports more record-breaking highs possible from the Southwest into the Southern Plains and across South Florida. Despite a reduction in the number of records set in these regions compared to last week’s peak, the upper ridge remains in place meaning more dangerous heat indices. Excessive heat warnings and heat advisories in these areas are currently in effect.
“Over the next several days, nearly all of the Lower 48 will have above average temperatures as the Southwest to Southern Plains upper ridge builds to the east and northeast,” the NWS forecasted. The area between the Northern Rockies to the Pacific Northwest will be the exception where a cold front will produce below average temperatures.
As US heat wave spreads:Arizona counts the dead: 18 confirmed, dozens more suspected
As of Saturday, more than 75 million Americans were under excessive heat warnings, heat advisories and excessive heat watches. At least 18 deaths have been confirmed. 69 deaths in the Phoenix metro area are suspected of being heat-related as of July 15, according to a letter from Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs to the state’s utility companies.
US Heat Index
Severe rainfall expected for the Northern Plains, Mid West, Mid-Atlantic
Active thunderstorms, isolated flash floods and other severe weather is forecasted to dawn Tuesday from the Northern Plains into the Mid Atlantic region, according to the NWS. By Wednesday, the frontal boundary causing this will impact the Mid-West.
Ohio weather map
Air quality to worsen in Upper Mississippi Valley into the Great Lakes and Ohio Valley
The ongoing Canadian wildfires is not done worsening air quality in the U.S. The Upper Mississippi Valley into the Great Lakes and Ohio Valley are next to see air quality alerts for the next few days as persistent western smoke moves southeast, the NWS forecasts.
US Air quality map
Northern Great Basin and Northern Rockies face fire weather threat
Even with below average temperatures across the region, parts of the Northwestern U.S. could see the risk of fire weather. An inland moving cold front, dry conditions, lower humidity levels and gusty winds will further elevate critical fire weather threat across the Northern Great Basin and Northern Rockies.
Oregon wildfires map
