Above average temperatures are expected across a large portion of the central US through the weekend. Heat indices could top out as high as 120°F in some locations.
Most of the central US will experience dangerous heat into this weekend as a hot dome of high pressure builds in across the southern Plains. Air temperatures in most communities will not be record breaking; however, deep moisture being drawn northward from the Gulf of Mexico will contibute to heat indicies, or “feels like” temperatures, being about 5-15°F degrees above the actual air temperatures.
Dew points are expected to reach up into the low to mid 70’s as far north as North Dakota and Minnesota Thursday and Friday. Highs from Missouri to southern Minnesota will range from the 90’s to around 100°F, and the combination of the above average temperatures and dew points will result in a large area of heat indices of 105-115°F. Locally, heat indicies could approach 120°F for a time on Thursday, particularly over parts of Iowa.
Relief may be in sight for those in the northern Plains, especially in parts of Minnesota and the Dakotas, over the weekend as a cold front is anticipated to push through with some cooler and less humid weather.
Excessively hot temperatures can lead to heat related illnesses such as heat stroke or even death. If you need to venture out during the extreme heat, be sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and apply enough sunscreen to prevent sunburn.
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