Extreme heat to bake central US as RealFeel® Temperatures approach 110 F
Triple-digit heat will overspread much of the central US this week, challenging yearly highs as a heat dome remains anchored over the region.
While other sources use humidity and wind speed when measuring temperature, the free AccuWeather app’s RealFeel® Temperature includes 10 different factors, such as sunshine intensity and shade.
While the calendar says early September, extreme heat more typical of early August is gripping the central United States yet again. Near record-breaking temperatures combined with little overnight relief will increase the risk of heat-related illnesses.
A large heat dome is expected to remain over the central United States through much of this week. High temperatures across southern portions of the Plains and Mississippi Valley are forecast to reach the upper 90s to low 100s, 10-15 degrees above the historical average. With high humidity and abundant sunshine, AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures will approach 110 degrees Fahrenheit.
Tuesday and Wednesday appear to be the hottest days of the week, with several major cities approaching their highest temperatures of the year. Springfield, Missouri, reached 102 degrees on Aug. 16, its highest temperature so far this year. Tulsa, Oklahoma, reached its yearly high of 106 on the same day. Forecast highs Tuesday and Wednesday are expected to approach those levels.
"The heat has been unrelenting in places like Wichita, Kansas, where the last daily high below 100 degrees was back on Aug. 28, when the high was 98. The current forecast calls for triple-digit heat to continue through Wednesday before highs fall back into the 90s late this week," AccuWeather Meteorologist Brandon Buckingham said.
This heat can also be hazardous to pets. Vehicles can become dangerously hot in short periods of time, while hot pavement can injure animals' paws.
The extreme heat has already started to impact the new school year in several states, and additional disruptions are likely this week.
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Changes in the jet stream are expected to bring at least some relief to the central Plains later this week, while the most intense heat remains farther south.
"This will not be limited to one or two unusually hot days. Temperatures are expected to remain well above the historical average for much of the week in Texas and Oklahoma," AccuWeather Meteorologist Emma Belscher said.
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