Rain/Storms Likely Overnight, Milder Weather this Weekend
WBBJ 7 Forecast Update
WBBJ 7 Forecast Update:
It has been another extremely HOT day for the 4th of July here in West Tennessee. Highs are in the mid to upper 90s, but factoring in the thick humidity, it is making it feel between 110-115° this afternoon. Some showers and isolated storms will try to move through this evening but most of the fireworks shows should be good to go later this evening. More rain is coming overnight into Friday morning as well. Some quieter and cooler weather will likely be on the way for our weekend. Catch the full forecast details here.
TONIGHT:
Showers and storm chances will return this evening 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 midnight tonight. We will probably get a break for most of us around sunset for a few hours. A few might impact some of the firework shows Thursday night. Not everyone is going to see the rain this evening as chances are 40%, but that number increases to 80% Thursday night after midnight. Severe weather seems unlikely, but a couple of gusty storms cannot be ruled out tonight.
Highs again made it into the mid to upper 90s in the afternoon so any showers that develop this evening will be a blessing to cool things down some. Another excessive heat warning remains into effect through the evening hours. The heat index felt between 110-115° most of the afternoon in West Tennessee. Thursday night lows will again fall into the mid 70s. The winds will still come out of the southwest this evening but vary in direction overnight as the front moves through. Skies started out mostly sunny, then a partly cloudy this evening 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...19.5N 84.3W ABOUT 215 MI...345 KM ESE OF TULUM MEXICO ABOUT 200 MI...325 KM W OF GRAND CAYMAN MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...110 MPH...175 KM/H PRESENT MOVEMENT...WNW OR 285 DEGREES AT 20 MPH...31 KM/H MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...974 MB...28.77 INCHES
Maximum sustained winds are near 110 mph (175 km/h) with higher gusts. Slow weakening is forecast before the center makes landfall, with additional weakening expected while Beryl crosses the Yucatan Peninsula. Slow re-intensification is expected when Beryl moves over the Gulf of Mexico.
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
