RealFeel Temperatures Near 110 as a Heat Dome Bakes the Central US
The calendar may read September, but it feels more like the peak of summer for much of the central U.S. A stubborn heat dome tethered to the nation's midsection is sending the temperatures into the triple digits. When will relief from the sweltering weather arrive? Read on for the details.
Central U.S. Sizzles Under Unseasonable Heat
Americans in the central U.S. headed back to school and work on Tuesday dealing with record-breaking heat. An expansive heat dome is to blame for the extreme temperatures that are hovering up to 15 degrees above the historical average. The high humidity levels and sunny skies are combining with the air temperatures to send RealFeel readings as high as 110 degrees.
Several cities in this part of the country will see the hottest days of the summer during this heat wave. For instance, Tulsa, Oklahoma, has a top reading of 106 degrees so far this year, a benchmark hit on August 16. There is a chance that the metro area could reach this level of heat again on Wednesday. Likewise, Springfield, Missouri, may also break its season-high reading of 102 degrees.
Wichita, Kansas, has not been below 100 degrees for a high since August 28. Even then, the temperature reached a toasty 98 degrees. The city in the south-central part of the Sunflower State is forecast to hit the century mark again on Wednesday before sliding back into the 90s by the back of the week.
Complications of the Heat
Local officials are warning residents to be mindful of the heat, particularly when it comes to pets. Temperatures inside vehicles can reach life-threatening levels in a matter of minutes.
The searing start to the month of September has already disrupted the start of the new school year in many states. Several school districts have either cancelled classes entirely, dismissed students early, or pivoted to online learning because of the heat. Additional disruptions to the school schedule are likely over the next day or two.
The University of Iowa confirmed on Tuesday that a member of the school's marching band was taken off life support earlier in the day. School officials said that Derek Phillips passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest blamed on a heat stroke. Phillips experienced the medical emergency just before halftime of Saturday's season opener against Northern Illinois University in Iowa City, Iowa. A high of 94 degrees was recorded that day in the college town.
When will relief from the heat finally arrive? The forecast is calling for a change in the jet stream to usher in a bit of a break from the extreme temperatures by the end of the week. While the central Plains will enjoy a noticeable cooling trend, it will remain unseasonably hot across the southern Plains and the lower Mississippi Valley. For instance, temperatures are forecast to remain elevated for the rest of the week across Texas and Oklahoma.
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