Dangerous heat dome to reign across the South with little relief through Monday
Record high temperatures could be challenged as a heat dome sends temperatures soaring across the South. AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures will surge toward 115.
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An extensive heat dome will continue to build across the Gulf Coast early this week, bringing several days of dangerous heat and high humidity with little overnight relief and increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses.
Dangerous heat will continue through Monday as the heat dome remains overhead. Spotty showers and thunderstorms are expected across parts of the Southeast, but any cooling will be brief, with high humidity persisting.
"People spending extended periods outdoors during the afternoon and evening hours are advised to stay hydrated, take frequent breaks and wear a hat and light-colored clothing. This is the type of heat that can quickly lead to heat exhaustion or worse if proper precautions are not taken," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Brett Anderson added.
Pets will also face heat-related risks. Vehicles can become dangerously hot during short periods, while pavement exposed to the August sun can get significantly hotter than the air and pose a risk to animals' paws.
While the South is accustomed to significant heat and high humidity during this time of year, this heat wave is expected to pose a significant risk of heat-related illnesses. Little Rock, Arkansas, is forecast to have highs above 100 degrees Fahrenheit through midweek, roughly 10 degrees above the historical average.
"Little relief from the heat is expected at night, especially in urban areas where temperatures may struggle to drop below 85 degrees," Anderson said.
Dangerous heat and humidity will persist through at least Monday across the southern third of the country.
Looking ahead to midweek, the heat dome is expected to weaken across parts of the central United States, allowing temperatures to fall from Missouri to Virginia. Dangerous heat will persist along the Gulf coast. An increase in afternoon thunderstorm coverage by the middle of this week could provide some cooling, but many areas will remain dry, hot and humid.
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