A large ridge of high pressure will slide over the Capital Area this weekend, locking in hot, dry air and setting the stage for dangerously high heat index values early next week. Expect daytime temperatures to quickly climb near 100 degrees with virtually no rain in sight to cool us off.
The Weekend: highs in the upper 90s, feels-like temperatures of 105°+
Next Week: extreme heat to return, warnings possible with feels-like temperatures of 108°+
The Tropics: all quiet in the wake of Bertha
Tonight & This Weekend: Skies will clear out quickly tonight. Air conditioners will work hard, even through the night, as low temperatures only fall into the upper 70s. Both Saturday and Sunday will have plenty of sunshine to drive afternoon highs straight into the mid-to-upper 90s. Light winds off the land will delay cool marine breezes from moving inland during peak afternoon heating, so rain won't offer much relief. Daily coverage will be capped around 10%, meaning almost everyone stays completely dry.
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Next Week: Heat will only amplify next week. High temperatures will steadily climb into the upper 90s, with numbers approaching 98° by Wednesday. Several spots along the I-10 and I-12 corridors could briefly touch the 100° mark. While the atmosphere as a whole will be dry, preventing organized showers, humidity will remain trapped near the surface, and feels-like temperatures will regularly reach between 108°F and 115°F starting Monday. Importantly, overnight low temperatures will barely drop below 80°, giving us very little recovery time from the daytime heat.
Heat advisories are fairly common during the warm season and serve as a general reminder to use common sense in the heat. Extreme heat warnings, which signal a more serious situation, are also possible multiple days next week.
The Storm Station Weather Team says heat illness can set in quickly when conditions reach that level, even for people accustomed to the heat along the central Gulf Coast. Staying hydrated and taking frequent breaks while working outside are among the precautions being highlighted.
Get the latest 7-day forecast and real-time weather updates HERE.
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The Tropics: All tropical storm warnings and advisories for our local coastal area have officially been cancelled as Bertha continues inland toward Texas. Otherwise, the Gulf, Caribbean and Atlantic are quiet. No new tropical development is expected over the next seven days.
– Josh
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