Excessive Heat Warning Continues, Storm Chances on the 4th of July

WBBJ 7 Forecast Update:

Wednesday has been the hottest day of the year so far in West Tennessee with our entire region under an Excessive Heat Warning through the 4th of July. Some isolated showers and storms are trying to pop this evening, but chances are much higher on Thursday and especially Friday morning. Catch your upcoming hour by hour breakdown and find out of the chances that your fireworks show might get rained out, all coming up here.

TONIGHT:

An excessive heat warnings remain in effect this evening and continues into the 4th of July. Highs reached the mid to upper 90s on Wednesday for all of us. On top of the heat, southwest winds made for a very humid day as well. The heat index was between 105-115° for several hours. Skies were partly cloudy and will remain that way tonight. A heat or humidity driven shower or two cannot be ruled out this evening or later tonight, especially in our northern counties. Wednesday night lows will only fall to the mid to upper 70s, it will be a warm and muggy night.

4TH OF JULY:

Showers and storm chances will return on Independence across the Mid South. A cold front will approach from the northwest but will not pass through until Friday. The showers and storms will increase into the late evening and become more widespread after the sun goes down. A few might impact some of the firework shows Thursday night. Not everyone is going to see the rain during the day as chances are 60%, but that number increases to 80% Thursday night.

Severe weather seems unlikely, but a couple of gusty storms cannot be ruled out. That being said, do not cancel your plans, but stay weather aware in the evening hours. Highs will make it into the mid 90s still so it will be hot in the afternoon so any showers that develop will be a blessing early in the day.  Another excessive heat warning goes into effect late in the morning through the evening hours. Thursday night lows will again fall into the mid 70s. The winds will still come out of the southwest all day long. Skies will start out mostly sunny, then a partly cloudy afternoon and mostly cloudy night.

FRIDAY:

The rainiest day in the forecast this week is going to be Friday. Showers and storms look likely at times, especially early in the day. A couple could be strong as the cold front slides by early in the morning. Be sure to monitor the forecast this week if you have outdoor plans on Friday. Highs will reach around 90° and Friday night lows will fall down to around 70° behind the front. The winds will come out of the west most of the day before transitions to the northwest Friday night. Expect mostly cloudy skies with only a few breaks to get the sun out. Chances for rain on Friday are at 70% as of now.

THE WEEKEND:

The forecast this weekend looks to be a bit cooler with the northwest winds on Saturday behind Friday’s cold front. This means will be most likely be dry Saturday afternoon and evening. The winds will shift to the south on Sunday starting to warm us back up a bit. Highs on Saturday will reach the upper 80s and low 90s are expected on Sunday. Expect some clouds early in the day on Saturday that will try to break up into the afternoon. Sunday looks to be a mostly sunny day but there still will be some clouds. Sunday looks to be a dry day as well for most of the Mid South.

FINAL THOUGHT:

After a mild start to the week, the heat is on the way for the middle of the week. More heat advisories are expected. If you have outdoor plans this 4th of July or the Friday after, be prepared to find shelter just in case a storm is heading your way. Please have a way to be alerted to any storms that might develop when you will be outdoors celebrating the 4th of July. We will be watching everything closely in the 7 Storm Team Weather Center this week. Stay cool in the middle of the week as it is going to get very hot again.

TROPICAL UPDATE:

Here is the latest on Category 4 Major Hurricane Beryl:

LOCATION...17.5N 77.6W
ABOUT 65 MI...100 KM WSW OF KINGSTON JAMAICA
ABOUT 265 MI...430 KM ESE OF GRAND CAYMAN
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...140 MPH...220 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...WNW OR 285 DEGREES AT 20 MPH...31 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...959 MB...28.32 INCHES

Maximum sustained winds are near 140 mph (220 km/h) with higher
gusts.  Beryl is a category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson
Hurricane Wind Scale.  Some weakening is forecast during the next
day or two.  However, Beryl is forecast to be at or near major
hurricane intensity while it passes the Cayman Islands.  Additional 
weakening is expected thereafter, though Beryl is forecast to 
remain a hurricane until it makes landfall on the Yucatan Peninsula.

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