Scorching Heat Spreads Over the South

Scorching heat and high humidity will spread across the South today.

A bubble of high pressure will produce dry weather with plenty of sunshine across eastern Texas to Alabama and northward into southeastern Missouri, southern Illinois, and far western Kentucky. High temperatures are expected to peak in the upper 90s to near 100 degrees throughout the region. When combined with dew points that are expected to peak in the middle 70s, it will feel even hotter. 

Heat Advisories have been posted from eastern Texas to northwestern Alabama and northward to southeastern Missouri, southern Illinois, and far western Kentucky. The combination of the heat and humidity will make it feel like it's between 105-110 degrees in many locations!

Cities such as Shreveport and New Orleans, La., Little Rock, Ark., Jackson, Miss., Huntsville, Ala., Memphis, Tenn., and Carbondale, Ill. are under these advisories. 

The high heat and humidity will persist for many on Thursday. However, a tropical disturbance moving westward across the northern Gulf will provide some relief in the form of showers and thunderstorms to portions of southern Louisiana, southern Mississippi, and southern Alabama. In fact, Flood Watches have been posted across southeastern Louisiana and southern Mississippi in anticipation of the influx of tropical moisture from this disturbance.

If you must go outdoors, prepare by staying hydrated and keep a watchful eye for any signs of heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Wear the right clothing, such as loose-fitting, lightweight and breathable fabrics, and take many breaks within a cool and shaded area.

Make sure to take extra precautions for children and the elderly as they are more susceptible to heat-related illness. Never leave children or animals alone in a locked vehicle as it can become dangerous and potentially fatal. Do not forget to download the WeatherBug app to stay up to date on the latest for this dangerous western heatwave.