The heat returns with a vengeance this weekend

Take a moment and note the date...it's only five months until Christmas! With that in mind, brace for the abrupt end of this week's short intermission from the heat thanks to high pressure moving off the southeastern U.S. coastline. That large scale weather feature will pump heat and humidity back into the region from both the Atlantic and the Gulf via the clockwise circulation of winds around it.

After this (Friday) morning's lows near 70º Mecklenburg County temperatures will again soar into the mid-90s this afternoon. Along with that increase in heat dew points will also be on the rise, climbing into the low to mid-70s. That combination will push heat indices well into the triple digit range today. Thus, NWS Wakefield has issued a Heat Advisory from 11:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. this evening. Folks should take plenty of breaks in the shade or air conditioned spaces later today, drinking plenty of fluids and keeping an eye on each other for signs of heat stress. 

Unfortunately today heralds the beginning of a multi-day heat wave across the eastern U.S. Check out this forecast graphic:

The final weekend of July will not be a comfortable time to be outdoors. Temperatures will top out in the mid to upper 90s both Saturday and Sunday, with heat indices exceeding 105º.  Despite small chances of afternoon showers or storms each day there will be little relief from the upcoming steam bath.

The good news? The overall weather pattern looks to shift and break this heat wave by the end of next week. In the meantime use caution during this period of higher than average heat and humidity.