Coming from just humid to now extremely hot and humid is par for the course in the deep South. Unfortunately, this pattern is here for a little while as the atmosphere slows down this late in the summer. Westerly winds will prevail over much of the South with some changing winds as a Gulf high meanders around us. Let’s take a look.
Today will be a humid one with temperatures in the low 90s and intermittent cloud cover. A few storms are possible later in the day from a subtropical low moving inland. Lows will reach the mid 70s with a few lingering showers overnight. As we go into Thursday, we’ll see the temperatures ramp up as a developing high pressure from Florida will move westward. Combo this with a eastward ridge in the upper levels and we have a recipe for high heat across much of the southern US.
Through Friday and into the weekend, we’ll see temperatures quickly reach the upper 90s by midday and bring the experienced temperature to the mid 100s. I’m sure the NWS will put out a heat advisory or even a heat warning by the end of the week with these conditions. Our main hope for a cool off each day will be some afternoon thunderstorms, and so far there is a slight chance each day. Friday will be the highest chance as a tropical wave moves in towards the Louisiana coastline.
Expect some pretty hot and dangerous outdoor conditions for the next several days. The heat and humidity will boost the heat index into the mid 100s and that can cause heat exhaustion and other related illnesses. Make sure to have plenty of water and other hydrating fluids with you and stay in the shade if possible.
