Saturday, July 15, 2023

AnthropoMorphic Weather: Ascribing Human Emotions to Forecasts > AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures

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The already scorching hot Southwest is expected to get hotter later this week, AccuWeather meteorologists say. The dangerously hot weather will raise the risk of wildfires and potentially challenge all-time record highs in some cities.
"A number of locations over the Southwest will challenge daily record highs this weekend," AccuWeather Meteorologist Haley Taylor said.
Due to the long-duration heat wave, excessive heat warnings were in effect across the Desert Southwest, including in cities such as PhoenixLas Vegas and Palm Springs, California.
A strong area of high pressure, known as a heat dome, and a shift in the position of the jet stream are two key factors that have led to the brutal heat. 
From late this week to early next week that northward bulge of the jet stream will be as extreme as it can be over the interior Southwest. Since this region is typically the hottest zone in the United States during the summer, it can get dangerously hot in the coming days.
The extreme heat and blazing sunshine can cause most individuals to become rapidly dehydrated, experts warn. People are urged to avoid strenuous activity during the daylight hours, to increase their intake of fluids and seek an air-conditioned environment when possible to avoid the potential of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. 
  • AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures can be more than a dozen degrees above the actual temperature in some locations. . .
Meanwhile, Phoenix, which is aptly known as the Valley of the Sun, has been experiencing a lengthy stretch of days with high temperatures of at least 110 degrees. 
  • As of Friday, July 14, Phoenix has experienced 14 days in a row with high temperatures ranging from 110 to 116. 
  • The city is currently experiencing its third longest streak of days with temperatures at or above 110 F on record.
As the heat builds into this weekend and persists into early next week, there is the potential for Phoenix to reach the 120-degree mark. 
  • Temperatures have only reached or exceeded this threshold three times there since record-keeping began in 1896. 
  • The three 120-degree readings all occurred in the 1990s. The city's all-time high of 122 was recorded on June 26, 1990.
Another record that could be set in Phoenix has to do with the level of warmth at night. Thus far in the heat wave, the city has not dipped below the 90-degree mark each night since July 10. 
  • Should the string of oppressively warm nights continue for eight days, it would break the record set in July and August of 2020 and in August of 2012. . .


Where is the monsoon?

The annual event that sparks thunderstorms over the southwest, known as the North American monsoon will continue to be suppressed over the next week or two at least. 

This change in wind direction that allows moisture to creep northward from the tropical Pacific, Mexico and the Gulf of Mexico has been delayed.

However, some uptick in moisture in recent days may allow very spotty thunderstorm activity in parts of eastern Arizona, New Mexico and southern Colorado. 
  • Where the storms manage to bring a downpour, they may cool the local environment for a day or two. 
  • But, many of the storms may bring little or no rain and could kick up dust or trigger lightning-induced wildfires
People are urged to use caution when hiking in the mountains due to the lightning strike risk from sudden storms that may develop during the midday and afternoon hours.

  • There are some dangers when taking a dip in area mountain streams as well. The waters flowing out of the mountains from melting snow are ice-cold and could lead to dangerous cold water shock for many individuals, AccuWeather Western Weather Expert Ken Clark warned.

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Excessive Heat Warning
Source: U.S. National Weather Service
START
10:00 AM
Saturday, July 1
END
8:00 PM
Wednesday, July 19

...EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM MST WEDNESDAY... * WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions. Afternoon temperatures 110 to 119. * WHERE...Portions of south central Arizona. * WHEN...Until 8 PM MST Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Extreme Heat Risk. Increase in heat related illnesses, including heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Heat stroke can lead to death. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... An Excessive Heat Warning means that a period of very hot temperatures, even by local standards, will occur. 

Actions should be taken to lessen the impact of the extreme heat. Stay indoors and seek air-conditioned buildings. Drink water, more than usual, and avoid dehydrating alcoholic, sugary, or caffeinated drinks. Dress for the heat - lightweight and light- colored clothing. Eat small meals and eat more often. Monitor those with a higher vulnerability to heat, including small children. Check in on family, friends, and neighbors, especially the elderly. If engaging in outdoor activity, take longer and more frequent breaks and avoid the hottest parts of the day. Never leave kids or pets unattended in cars. Public cooling shelters are available in some areas. Consult county officials for more details, which may include guidance for proper social distancing measures. Recognize the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness. Early signs include thirst and muscle cramps. Heat exhaustion may include: cool, moist, pale skin; headache; dizziness; weakness or exhaustion; nausea. The most serious illness is heat stroke, which may include: vomiting; confusion; throbbing headache; decreased alertness or loss of consciousness; high body temperature (above 105F); hot, dry skin; rapid, weak pulse; rapid, shallow breathing; seizures. Heat stroke can be DEADLY. Treat as an emergency and call 9 1 1. Continue to monitor NWS forecasts, broadcast outlets, and local government for updates.

Max UV Index12 Extreme

WindW 9 mph

Wind Gusts22 mph

Probability of Precipitation0%

Probability of Thunderstorms0%

Precipitation0.00 in

Cloud Cover10%

Air Quality Alert

Excessive Heat Warning

CURRENT WEATHER

3:35 AM

96°F
RealFeel® 95°
Air QualityPoor
WindW 2 mph
Wind Gusts6 mph
Partly cloudyMORE DETAILS

CURRENT AIR QUALITY

TODAY

7/15

58
AQI

Poor

The air has reached a high level of pollution and is unhealthy for sensitive groups. Reduce time spent outside if you are feeling symptoms such as difficulty breathing or throat irritation.

Based on Current Pollutants

More Details

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