AccuWeather.com

By Brian Edwards, Meteorologist

Jun 19, 2010; 10:45 AM ET

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Blazing heat will persist across the South through at least the next week. Many locations will reach or exceed the century mark during this stretch.

Core of the Heat to Affect Areas from Lubbock to Little Rock Sunday

While warmth will encompass much of the southern and eastern portions of the country over the next couple of days, the core of the heat on Sunday is expected to affect portions of the southern Plains. Areas from Lubbock, Texas, to Little Rock, Ark., will experience daytime high temperatures in the upper 90s to near 100 degrees.

Add in high humidity values which will send afternoon RealFeel temperatures to around 110 degrees in some locations.

The cause of this extreme heat is a large high pressure system, which has been centered over the South for much of the month of June. The core of this high has shifted westward and is now centered over Texas.

This high is so strong that it will prevent the development of any cooling afternoon thunderstorms in locations that could use the rain.

Some areas, including Dallas, Texas, and Shreveport, La., have only received 15 to 25 percent of their normal rainfall for the month of June.

Afternoon thunderstorms will be confined to areas on the periphery of the high pressure system. This includes portions of West Texas where a feature called a dryline is located. This feature separates moist air to the east from dry air to the west and activates each afternoon with isolated thunderstorm development. Areas with the best chance for one of these thunderstorms include Midland and Amarillo, Texas.

Hot Weather Safety

Residents across the South will experience the heat and dry conditions through much of the upcoming week as the high pressure system remains in place across Texas.

Take precautions when doing outdoor activities as heat stroke is common this time of year. If you have to exercise outside, do it in the early morning hours or late in the evening when the sun's energy isn't as strong. Be sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water as well.

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