A dangerously hot Fourth of July

Yes, it's Fourth of July weekend, and it's the 250th celebration of our nation's founding. BUT, the oppressive heat and humidity have risen into dangerous levels. Prudence and caution should both be watchwords the next few days. This isn't a typical summertime heat wave...it's much worse.

The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Warning which covers Mecklenburg County from 10 o'clock this (Friday) morning all the way through 8:00 p.m. Saturday evening.

This morning's thermometer readings in the mid- to upper 70s will soar above 100º this afternoon. Combined with dew points in the 70s, that will make it feel close to 110º later today. Temperatures tonight won't drop much - if any - below 80º, so there won't be much relief even without the sun's rays continuing to scorch the area.

Saturday - July 4th - conditions look much the same, but with the likely addition of strong to severe storms by mid-afternoon. Damaging straight line winds - and lightning! - will be the chief threat, which may drop temperatures but not the oppressive humidity. All these factors could make outdoor celebrations dangerous for people and pets, along with affecting fireworks displays (those which aren't cancelled):

Sunday will also have the chance for strong to severe storms, with high temperatures close to 100º yet again. At the moment there isn't a heat warning covering the latter weekend day, but that may change as the National Weather Service reviews the data.

So be careful this weekend, practice heat safety, and keep an eye on each other for symptoms of heat illness.