Very sticky and dangerous heat this week

Many folks will state the obvious: "It's summer, it's supposed to be hot." Yes, except for three things:

(1) We all need to be reminded of hazards periodically, especially things like not leaving children or pets in vehicles when temperatures soar.

(2) An extended period of heat has a cumulative effect on the human body, i.e. the longer it's really hot, the harder the body takes it.

(3) What is the #1 cause of weather-related deaths here in the U.S.? Not tornadoes, not hurricanes, not even flooding. It's HEAT.

The red bars indicate the number of 2024 deaths from weather causes, while the other colors represent a couple different averages. All the other causes pale in comparison to heat's effects on people.

Why the heat emphasis? Starting today Mecklenburg County - and indeed, most of the eastern U.S. - will be under a long-lived heat dome. Temperatures will top out today (Sunday) in the mid-90s along with higher dew points. The heat index will approach 100º this afternoon, and today will be the coolest day of the upcoming week. Local thermometers will top out in the upper 90s or above the triple-digit mark every day, possibly through the end of June.

With this level of heat and moisture in place there will be chances of showers and thunderstorms at times this week. But those will be scattered and hard to predict, kinda like trying to predict which kernel of popcorn will pop first. Folks in locales which do see rain will see slight relief, but the precipitation will only exacerbate the stickiness factor.

So, be mindful of the hazards posed by this long period of hotter than average weather. These heat tips from the Red Cross may prove helpful. Stay safe!