Heat Advisory on Saturday, Few Storms Possible Saturday Night/Sunday Morning
WBBJ 7 Forecast Update
WBBJ 7 Forecast Update:
The southerly winds have returned allowing the heat index to reach 100° this afternoon. Saturday is going to be hotter and could feel as high as 108° leading the NWS in Memphis to issue a heat advisory for Saturday. A weak front will usher in a round of showers and storms Saturday night into Sunday morning. More heat is coming next week leading up to the 4th of July. Catch the full weekend forecast and find out how high the rain chances are for our Independence Day coming up here.
TONIGHT:
Another area of high pressure moved in on Friday pushing what is left of the lingering front off to the east. This brought a return on the southerly winds increasing both the temperature and humidity again across the Mid South. Highs on Friday heated back up to the low to mid 90s and Friday night lows will only fall to the mid 70s to kick off the upcoming weekend. The southerly winds brought some clouds back on Friday and although a brief heat/humidity driven pop up or two will be possible, chances are only 10% as of now this evening.
THE WEEKEND:
Another hot start to the weekend is on the way for West Tennessee. The winds are forecast to come out of the southwest on Saturday and the humidity will be an issue as well. We have another heat advisory issued for Saturday but things are forecast to cool down some on Sunday behind a weak front. Showers and storms are also expected to return over the weekend with chances for rain already at 50% Sunday morning and 30% late Saturday night.
Highs will make it up to the mid 90s on Saturday and low 90s on Sunday depending on the timing of the showers and storms. The winds will shift to the southwest on Saturday and then back to the northwest on Sunday, but back to the northeast by Monday behind a late weekend cold front.
NEXT WEEK:
Monday is going to be another cooler day with highs in the upper 80s with mostly sunny skies. The northerly winds on Monday is why we are going to see a nice and mild day. The winds will shift back to the south on Tuesday starting another heat wave across the Mid South. Highs in the middle of the week will be back up into the mid to upper 90s. The humidity will also return in the middle of the week and that could lead to some pop up heat and humidity driven showers and storms late Wednesday and Thursday as well for the 4th of July. If you have outdoor plans on the 4th, be sure to keep an eye on the forecast because rain looks more likely than not as of now for our Independence Day.
FINAL THOUGHT:
We have already had one major heat spell for the last weekend of Spring and the first full week of summer is also going to be a hot one. We have hit 96/97 so far in Jackson and topped the mark not only on Tuesday when we hit 98°, but maybe again on Saturday as well this weekend. Highs are not forecast to drop below 90° expect for maybe Monday. There will be two rounds of showers and storms in the forecast, one Sunday morning and another in the middle of next week just in time for the 4th of July. We cannot 100% rule out of a shower any day this week but chances are 10% or less most days.
HEAT SAFETY TIPS:
The CDC reports that around 700 people per year die from heat related deaths. It’s important to know the signs of heat related illnesses such as heat exhaustion or a heat stroke.
The best way to beat the heat is to know the signs of these heat related illnesses, stay hydrated, and try to keep cool.
Heat exhaustion is a very serious heat related illness. According to the CDC, the following are signs of heat exhaustion:
• Heavy sweating
• Cold, pale, and clammy skin
• Fast, weak pulse
• Nausea or vomiting
• Muscle cramps
• Tiredness or weakness
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Fainting (passing out)
And the CDC recommends the following for someone who is suffering from heat exhaustion:
• Move to a cool place
• Loosen your clothes
• Put cool, wet cloths on your body or take a cool bath
• Sip water
Get medical help right away if:
• You are throwing up
• Your symptoms get worse
• Your symptoms last longer than 1 hour
Prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures or heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, if not cautious.
According to the CDC website the following are signs of Heat Stroke:
• High body temperature (103°F or higher)
• Hot, red, dry, or damp skin
• Fast, strong pulse
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Losing consciousness (passing out)
And the best way according to the CDC to treat heat stroke is to do the following:
• Call 911 right away, heat stroke is a medical emergency
• Move the person to a cooler place
• Help lower the person’s temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath
• Do not give the person anything to drink
The severe heat can cause other heat related illnesses. Sunburns, sometimes severe, are always a possibility with exposure to sun. It is so important to always wear sunscreen and try to wear clothing or accessories like hats to prevent sun damage.
Stay informed of heat related illnesses, drink plenty of water and stay hydrated, and be mindful of feeling overheated. Seek shelter from the sun and hot temps when its possible, and keep a check on relatives or friends who may be affected by the extreme temperatures.
Find our more information on heat related illnesses and prevention from the CDC website here.
For tips on preparing for storms, click here. To download the WBBJ 7 Weather app, click here.
Storm Team Chief Meteorologist
Joel Barnes
Facebook: @JoelBarnesWeather
Twitter: @JoelBarnes13
Instagram: @joelbarnes13
