Scorching heat wave advances toward the South, following Midewest's devastating flood aftermath.
• Record-breaking weekend temperatures: Record high temperatures were set in various cities from New York to Mississippi over the weekend, including over a hundred-year-old records. Philadelphia experienced a whopping 98 degrees on Sunday, surpassing its 1888 record of 97 degrees. Notably, both Greenville, Mississippi, and Raleigh, North Carolina, also saw 100 degrees. Thankfully, the region can expect cooler temperatures starting Monday.
• Heat wave moves towards the South: The scorching heat wave migrates southwards towards the South and Southern Plains on Monday and Tuesday, with temperatures ranging between 90s and 100s. Even some cities may exceed the 100-degree mark, such as Dallas and Little Rock. The heat index – a calculation of the body's perceived temperature in humid and hot conditions – could reach an alarming 110 degrees in certain locations. "During extremely hot and humid weather (such as in the upcoming forecast!), your body's cooling efficiency is compromised in ways you might not anticipate," as the National Weather Service in Fort Worth pointed out. Under these conditions, the chances of heat-related illnesses surge dramatically, particularly among outdoor workers and those without proper air conditioning.
• Flood-hit communities start recovery during the heat: Heat warnings were issued on Sunday across a 1000-mile stretch from southern Louisiana to South Dakota, which had suffered from heavy rain and catastrophic flooding over the weekend. Heat alerts are still active in flood-hit regions, including parts of Iowa, South Dakota, Nebraska, Missouri, and Kansas. In Iowa, Governor Kim Reynolds has requested assistance from President Biden due to "catastrophic flooding" that forced some communities to evacuate.
• One death reported in flood-inflicted South Dakota: At least one fatality was reported due to the floods in South Dakota, Governor Kristi Noem confirmed. "I urge everyone to remember the destructive power of water and to keep away from flooded areas," the governor advised. At least nine people were rescued from rising waters in Sioux Falls, where emergency responders had to deal with stranded motorists and trapped vehicles. Additionally, the flood threat remains high – several rivers in the state are overflowing with water and are expected to continue rising over the next few days.
• Close to 20 rivers reach flood threshold: Flood warnings are still active in waterlogged areas of South Dakota, Iowa, and southern Minnesota, as well as along rivers that are running above normal levels. At least 23 river gauges have surpassed the major flood stage in the region, meaning that extensive flooding of buildings, primary roads, and critical infrastructure is likely, as per the National Weather Service. This number is expected to increase as more water pools in creeks and streams, eventually pouring into major rivers.
• Monsoon-like conditions heading to the Southwest: Remnants of Tropical Storm Alberto will bring "monsoon-like conditions" to the Southwest and Four Corners area in the approaching days, according to the National Weather Service. A Level 1 of 4 risk of severe thunderstorms is in effect across the region through Wednesday, suggesting that isolated severe thunderstorms could occur. While the rainfall might provide some relief to firefighters battling numerous wildfires in the region, excessive rain could lead to flooding and debris slides, making it difficult for crews to access fire-stricken zones.
CNN’s Jamiel Lynch contributed to this report.
Read also:
• The heat wave's impact on outdoor workers could exacerbate during the heat wave's advance towards the South, as highlighted by the National Weather Service.• Cities like Dallas and Little Rock, among others, may break their hundred-year-old temperature records as the heat wave reaches the South, following the record-breaking weekend temperatures.
