Steve Pellettiere's Comprehensive Weather Update: Hurricane Buryl and Beyond July 5 2024

Heat is expected to intensify and spread further up the West Coast muchof the West through this weekend with record-breaking temperatures......Oppressive heat and humidity across the South today will shift eastinto the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast Friday and Saturday......Flash flooding and severe thunderstorms possible over parts of theMidwest, and from the Southern Plains to the Ohio Valley through tonight......Beryl is forecast to re-intensify over the southwestern Gulf of Mexicoon Saturday and threaten southern Texas...On this 4th of July, a significant and increasingly dangerous heatwave isset to intensify along the West Coast as we head into the extended holidayweekend.  Widespread high temperatures well up into the 100s and 110s thisafternoon across the lower elevations in California will soar even higherby Friday afternoon.  Saturday will likely shape up to be the hottest dayin this heatwave when high temperatures into the 110s will be commonacross California outside of the cooling effects of the Pacific Ocean nearthe coast and the naturally cooler higher elevations.  Numerousrecord-breaking temperatures can be expected through the next few days. Locally higher temperatures into the 120s are possible in the typical hotspots of the Desert Southwest.  The triple-digit heat will expandnorthward into the Pacific Northwest and parts of the central Great Basin,with widespread highs rising into the 90s and low 100s.  The duration ofthis heat is also concerning as scorching above average temperatures areforecast to linger into next week. Heat impacts can compound over time,therefore it is important to remain weather aware and follow the advice oflocal officials. This level of heat throughout parts of the Mojave Desertand Sacramento/San Joaquin valleys of California could pose a risk toanyone if proper heat safety is not followed. It is imperative to stayhydrated, out of direct sunlight, and in buildings with sufficientair-conditioning when possible. It is also equally as important to checkon the safety of vulnerable friends, family, and neighbors.Meanwhile, oppressive heat and humidity across the southern Plains andlower Mississippi Valley today will begin to shift eastward to theMid-Atlantic and Southeast for the end of the week. High temperaturesrising into the upper 90s and low 100s are expected, with heat indicessoaring into the 110s across the lower Mississippi Valley. Warm overnightconditions in the upper 70s and low 80s will offer little relief, leadingto a dangerous situation for those without access to adequate cooling. Acold front entering the southern Plains is anticipated to offer cooler andbelow average temperatures to Oklahoma, much of northern/western Texas,and the Mid-South by Friday. Above average temperatures are thenanticipated to confine to the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic for the start ofthe weekend, with afternoon highs into the mid-to-upper 90s. If planningto spend an extended amount of time outdoors this Fourth of July, be sureto use caution and act quickly if you see signs of heat-related illnesses.