This week, the scorching heat and high humidity in large parts of America is going to increase the problems of the people. The US National Weather Service has warned that there will be a prolonged heat wave in many states of the country before Independence Day (July 4). Due to high humidity, people will feel hotter than the actual temperature. According to the Meteorological Department, areas of the Lower Great Lakes, Mid-Atlantic, Mississippi and Ohio River Valley will remain extremely hot for several days. During this period, many big cities may record the highest temperature so far this year. FIFA World Cup matches are also to be played in these cities.
Most affected in these cities
The effect of extreme heat will be seen in cities like New York, Philadelphia, Washington, Baltimore, Chicago, St. Louis, Detroit, Dallas, Little Rock and Memphis. The weather service says the heat wave will continue across the Great Plains, Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions through next weekend.
Temperature will feel like 46 degrees Celsius
According to the forecast, temperatures will range between 90 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit (about 32 to 38 degrees Celsius) in many areas. However, due to high humidity, the heat index can reach 100 to 110 °F (40 to 43 °C). In some places it will feel like 115 degrees Fahrenheit (about 46 degrees Celsius). Even at night the temperature is likely to remain between 21 to 26 degrees Celsius. In such a situation, people will not get much respite from the heat even at night.
Meteorological Department’s advice
The National Weather Service has urged people to:
- Avoid going out unnecessarily during the afternoon.
- Keep drinking adequate amount of water.
- Try to stay in air conditioners or cool places.
- Take special care of the elderly, children and sick people, as they are at higher risk of heat stroke.
What is heat index?
Heat index is a measurement that includes the moisture (humidity) present in the air along with the temperature. This determines how much heat a person will actually feel. A high heat index can be dangerous for people staying outside for long periods of time or doing heavy physical exertion.
Also read- France Plane Crash: Major plane accident in France, people were going for skydiving; 11 died
Many areas are already burning
Temperatures have already reached nearly 100 degrees Fahrenheit (about 38 degrees Celsius) in Phoenix, Las Vegas, central Texas and southwestern areas of the US.
