Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Yet another heat wave begins in the Mid-South

The Mid-South has already experienced a couple of heat waves this summer and now we are headed into yet another. The past several days have been "seasonally warm" with highs in the lower 90s and modest humidity.  However, the high-profile heat wave that is gripping the Midwest is seeping into the Mid-South from the north as massive high pressure shifts slowly east, while also weakening ever so slightly.

Over the next several days, we will be seeing our high temperatures rise about a degree a day, while humidity values (as represented by the dewpoint) also rise accordingly.  This will bring about another round of Heat Advisories and possible Heat Warnings beginning Wednesday. High temperatures will range from 97-100 through the end of the week and likely into the weekend, while low temperatures in the city will have a hard time dropping below 80 (mid to upper 70s in the suburbs).  Coupled with dewpoints in the lower to mid 70s, heat index values will climb to 105, with some areas north of the city possibly reaching 110.

Once again, please review our Heat Safety Tips (click here or on the tab above) and be prepared to spend more time indoors.  With the heat, you can also expect ozone levels to be elevated, possibly into Code Orange territory this week. Chances of rain in the metro area are nil through Thursday, then isolated storms are possible in the afternoon and evening hours on this weekend and slightly better chances early next week as high pressure subsides and the extreme heat subsides.

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For weather information for Memphis and the Mid-South, where and when you need it, visit MemphisWeather.net on the web, m.memphisweather.net on your mobile phone, download our iPhone or Android apps, or visit us on Facebook or Twitter.

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