A dome of high pressure gripping the South is driving dangerous heat levels this week, with dozens of daily temperature records expected to fall across parts of the Southeast. Cities including Savannah, Mobile, Tampa, and Orlando could see highs approach or exceed 100 degrees, with humidity pushing heat index values well into the triple digits.
The extreme heat is expected to persist through midweek, making outdoor activity hazardous and straining power systems as residents rely heavily on air conditioning. Health officials continue to urge residents to limit outdoor exposure, stay hydrated and check on vulnerable neighbors.
But while the South bakes, relief is on the way for much of the Midwest and Northeast. A shift in the weather pattern is forecast to send a burst of cooler air into the upper Midwest beginning Tuesday before spreading eastward. By Thursday, temperatures in much of the Great Lakes, Ohio Valley and Northeast will drop into the mid-to-upper 70s, with some areas seeing a 10- to 15-degree dip in just a few days.
The cooldown is expected to linger into early August, giving the region a break from what has been a relentless stretch of summer heat. Meteorologists say the cooler air could eventually press farther south, gradually easing temperatures in parts of the Southeast by next weekend.
Until then, the South remains at risk for oppressive heat, with continued advisories and warnings in place. Experts emphasize that warm overnight lows — which remain elevated during heat waves — pose additional health risks, particularly for those without adequate cooling.
Source: The Weather Channel