Dangerous Heat Blankets Most of the Eastern USA
Dangerous heat will blanket most of the eastern half of the nation today, while drenching storms develop along the rim of the heat from the central Plains to the Great Lakes.
A large dome of high pressure over the Gulf Coast states is pumping hot air into most areas east of the Rockies. The Severe Weather Center lists the widespread heat-related Warnings and Advisories in effect through much of this week.
 Temperatures today will soar into the mid- to upper 90s across the southern Plains, the Ohio Valley and the Southeast. Some centers top the century mark and challenge record highs.
According to the East Regional News story, 90-degree heat will spread through the mid-Atlantic and parts of southern New England. Increased humidity will create dangerous RealFeel® temperatures near or above 100 degrees along the Interstate 95 corridor as far north as Massachusetts.
Residents should use extreme care during this heat wave to avoid suffering from heat-related illnesses.
Be sure to drink lots of water, wear loose and light-colored clothing, avoid strenuous activity and stay in air conditioned buildings. Children and pets should never be left in cars, even for a few minutes. The elderly, small children and chronically ill are especially vulnerable to the heat.
While the heat in the Northeast will ease slightly later in the week, there will be little or no relief from the sizzling temperatures in other regions.
The Southwest Regional News story reports the heat across the southern Plains during the upcoming days will be noteworthy. Today, the forecast high of 95 degrees in San Antonio, Tex., will be the first 95-degree day this year. By this date last year, the city had recorded more than 65 days of 95 degrees or higher.
Conditions could be brutal for the final major of the 2007 men’s professional golf season. The 89th PGA Championship begins Thursday at the Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, Okla. High temperatures near or above 100 degrees will bake the fairways and greens, while excessive humidity will produce unbearable conditions for the players and fans alike.