A significant heat wave continues across the South this week, with some areas, including parts of the Southeast like Aiken, expected to experience a noticeable drop in humidity by early next week. This shift, described as a false fall in humidity, could provide some relief from the stifling conditions that have baked much of the region, even as high temperatures largely persist.
While cities like Atlanta and Raleigh may not see significant changes in high temperatures this weekend, the decrease in humidity is anticipated to make conditions more comfortable. Drier air from the Great Lakes is forecast to arrive in the interior Southeast by Monday, bringing dew points into the 50s, which are generally considered comfortable. This contrasts with dew points in the 70s, which indicate very sticky conditions.
Despite the expected humidity drop, the heat wave itself is projected to have staying power through at least much of next week for many parts of the South, from Oklahoma and Texas to Florida. This is attributed to a stubborn heat dome feature in the atmosphere that will remain over the Southern Plains. Morning lows in many southern areas are not expected to dip below the 70s, though some spots in the southern Appalachians might see lows in the 60s with the arrival of drier air.
The current heat has already set or tied numerous daily records across the South. On Tuesday, Miami reached 100 degrees, marking only the second time since 1895 the city has hit this temperature, with the other instance occurring on July 21, 1942. Other notable daily records tied or broken on Tuesday included Little Rock Adams Field, Arkansas (105 degrees), McAllen, Texas (104 degrees), Tallahassee, Florida (100 degrees), Fort Lauderdale, Florida (98 degrees), Jacksonville, Florida (98 degrees), Fayetteville, North Carolina (98 degrees), and Downtown Charleston, South Carolina (97 degrees).
Wednesday saw additional records, with Fort Smith, Arkansas reaching 109 degrees, Little Rock Adams Field, Arkansas hitting 107 degrees, Tuscaloosa, Alabama at 102 degrees, Brownsville, Texas at 100 degrees, Savannah, Georgia at 99 degrees, and Miami, Florida at 96 degrees. Thursday brought record highs to North Little Rock, Arkansas (104 degrees) and Amarillo, Texas (103 degrees). On Friday, Monroe, Louisiana (104 degrees), Harlingen, Texas (104 degrees), and Borger, Texas (104 degrees) also set new records.
Heat is identified as the leading weather-related cause of fatalities in the U.S., with hundreds of deaths annually. The combination of prolonged heat and humidity, especially when it lingers into the night, poses a significant danger to individuals without access to air conditioning. Residents are advised to check on family, friends, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses who may lack air conditioning. It is also recommended to avoid extended outdoor activity during peak afternoon heat, take frequent breaks, stay hydrated, and wear loose, lightweight clothing.
