New Heat Dome Builds Across the South Central and Southeast This Week

A late-summer heat wave will send temperatures skyrocketing across dozens of states from the southern Plains and across the Gulf Coast into the Southeast. Read on for the details of the sizzling September forecast.

Heat Not Backing Off in the Southern U.S.

Summer is not quite done with the southern tier of the nation. Yet another heat dome is building across the south-central states, the Gulf Coast, and the southeastern corner of the U.S. While the warmest temperatures will settle over Oklahoma, Texas, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, and the Southeast region, some of the heat will extend as far north as the Ohio Valley and mid-Atlantic for a brief time.

This heat wave is not expected to reach the same heights as the peak heat during the dog days of summer. Residents in the impacted areas should expect the mercury to hover about 5 to 10 degrees above what is typically seen during the middle of September. This will translate to widespread highs hovering between the upper 80s and the mid 90s.

The core of the heat dome will set up over the southern Plains in Texas and Oklahoma. For instance, places such as Dallas will see highs eclipse the century mark through at least Wednesday. The long-range forecast is calling for readings in the metroplex to bounce around in the 90s for days, with little relief in sight.

The high humidity levels, abundant sunshine, and light winds will bring the RealFeel readings to levels about 5 to 10 degrees over the actual air temperature. With school back in session, student-athletes will want to take care to stay hydrated for those outdoor practices. In addition, the lack of wind is also expected to create poor air quality conditions.

This is the same part of the U.S. that has already grappled with relentless heat for much of the summer. Several states across the south-central U.S. and the Southeast notched one of the hottest summers in recorded history.

How This Weather Pattern Will Support Rain and Storms

As is typical, heavy rain and thunderstorms are forecast to ignite along the perimeter of the heat dome to the north. The swath of land from eastern Montana through the northern Plains, the Upper Midwest, and the Northeast will be under the gun for storm action in the coming days.

Lastly, forecasters are keeping a close eye on the potential for tropical development later in the week. A potent storm churning across the jet stream just off the Atlantic coastline will move to the southwest and spread across Florida before ejecting into the Gulf. The low-pressure area generated by this weather maker could spur the next tropical feature in the Atlantic.

Another zone of potential tropical activity could take root in the Atlantic southeast of Bermuda. Meteorologists will continue to monitor both of these areas of concern. Stay with us for all of the latest.

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