The National Weather Service has lit up our advisory map with a variety of weather warnings typical for summerlike weather. The most abundant of the advisories up now are for the heat; the combination of high heat and humidity could make conditions dangerous outside. Beyond the heat, the National Weather Service and Environment Canada are also issuing advisories for the threat of severe thunderstorms.
With air temperatures in the low to mid 90’s and dewpoints in the low 70s, it will feel much worse outside than it really is. Due to that, Heat Advisories have been posted from Missouri to Massachusetts and from Virginia to Michigan. The heat index, which factors the impacts on people and animals of both temperature and humidity, will rise to or above 100 degrees in much of the advisory area; the highest heat indices will occur during the mid to late afternoon hours today. Heat illnesses are possible, especially among at-risk people who cannot stay cool. The heat and humidity may cause heat stress during outdoor exertion or extended exposure. The National Weather Service recommends that people inside the Heat Advisory area drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. They encourage people to take extra precautions: if people work or spend time outside, when possible, should reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening; people should also wear light weight and loose fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water. The National Weather Service also encourages people to know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location; heat stroke is an emergency and people should dial 9 1 1 for assistance.
Meanwhile, as a frontal system sags into southeastern Canada and northern New England, thunderstorms are expected to fire up. Some thunderstorms could reach severe limits and contain damaging winds and the risk of an isolated tornado. The greatest threat of severe storms is from upstate New York into central Maine. In addition to being severe, some thunderstorms and showers may contain extremely heavy rain which could lead to flash flood concerns. People in the heavy rain area are reminded: turn around, don’t drown; never drive through flooded roadways.
