Extreme Heat to Scorch Central, Southern US on Father’s Day

As Father's Day approaches, a significant portion of the central and southern United States is bracing for an intense heat wave that promises to bring potentially record-breaking temperatures. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued stern warnings to residents in these regions, urging them to take precautions as they prepare to celebrate the holiday outdoors.

The heat wave, which is expected to peak on Father's Day, will see temperatures soaring into the 90s and beyond in many areas. This extreme weather event is not just a one-day phenomenon; an expansive and powerful heat dome is forecasted to form over the East on Sunday, extending its reach into the Midwest and Great Lakes in the following days. This heat dome traps air in place and intensifies the heat under prolonged sunshine, making each day hotter than the last.

The Plains and Midwest regions will experience temperatures in the mid- to upper 90s on the last Sunday of spring. In Iowa and Missouri, large swaths of both states are facing a Level 3 – or major – risk of heat-related impacts. The NWS office in St. Louis has advised residents to take extra precautions, as temperatures will feel like 100-105 degrees during the afternoon hours.

The unrelenting heat will extend to states such as Kansas, Illinois, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi. Some smaller pockets of Level 4 – or extreme – heat will be felt in locations like Atlanta, where temperatures could reach 102 degrees by the afternoon. Millions of people are at risk of heat-related health issues as conditions reach extreme levels throughout the week, according to a joint scale from the NWS and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Heat is the deadliest form of weather in the US, causing more fatalities each year than hurricanes and tornadoes combined.

The extreme temperatures and uncomfortable conditions will spread to the larger cities of the Midwest and Northeast by the start of the workweek. Chicago, for instance, could see temperatures hit 99 degrees with a heat index of 105 degrees on Monday. The high temperatures for the Upper Ohio Valley and Great Lakes regions will soar into the mid- and upper 90s on Monday, with the possibility of tying or breaking numerous records. The potential for record-shattering heat will last across the Ohio Valley and the Northeast through Friday, with some areas experiencing heat indices of 105 degrees.

A Level 3 heat risk is expected to affect large portions of states including Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio on Monday. Meanwhile, much of the southern half of Iowa faces an extreme heat risk on Monday. Weather service forecasters in Des Moines, Iowa, have warned of high heat and humidity through Tuesday, with temperatures pushing into the 90s and heat index values nearing triple digits. "Morning lows will be just as impressive, as temperatures remain in the mid- to even upper 70s," the Weather Prediction Center said.

In Detroit, where daytime temperatures are predicted to hit the high 90s, the city's urban core will not experience much relief after dark. Weather service forecasters say overnight lows will only dip to the 70s this week. The sweltering conditions will continue to shift into the eastern and northeastern US by Tuesday.

The NWS has urged residents to stay in air-conditioned indoor areas, especially during the hottest times of the day, drink plenty of fluids, and check on neighbors and relatives during the heat wave. Public cooling centers have been established in many cities to provide relief for those without access to air conditioning. For example, Phoenix has set up cooling centers and offers free transportation to those facilities.

The extreme heat also poses a significant strain on power grids. In May, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) warned that large parts of the United States remain at risk for supply shortfalls due to the demands of summertime air-conditioning. The hot weather outlook also could mean more wildfires in California this summer as arid, windy conditions fuel blazes.

As the heat wave intensifies, local authorities are taking measures to mitigate its impact. In Atlanta, city officials have opened a cooling center to provide relief from the heat and postponed a 'Family and Friends Field Day' due to the high temperatures forecast. In El Paso, Texas, where temperatures are expected to approach 105 degrees, the city has opened five cooling centers that will operate daily until further notice.

The NWS and CDC emphasize the importance of staying informed and taking necessary precautions during this extreme heat event. The combination of heat, humidity, and little overnight relief will bring potentially widespread, significant heat-related impacts to anyone without adequate hydration or reliable cooling.