A heat forecast for the United States as of Monday, May 27, is focused once again in the southern states as a "dangerous heat" continues to hover above the region. In its latest US weather forecast, the National Weather Service (NWS) issues a heat advisory for risk of heat illnesses in Texas and Louisiana. Heat warnings also remain in effect across southeast Texas for the Memorial Day holiday.
The weather service explains the persistent hot weather since in recent days is caused by a "dangerously early-season heat wave." This system is lingering above south Texas, southern Florida, and the central Gulf Coast region. Continuing as of Monday, the South US may also see record-breaking temperatures with heat index potentially reaching over 115 degrees Fahrenheit.
The US is currently transitioning from its spring season in March into its scorching summer season in June. In recent years, summer in North America had witnessed unprecedented cases of animal and human casualties due to heat-related illnesses, including heat stroke and heat stress. In 2021, multiple heat-related deaths have been reported in Seattle, Washington, and its surrounding regions.
US Heat Forecast
(Photo : Photo by Mattias Russo-Larsson on Unsplash)
Dangerous heat remains throughout southern and central Texas, western and central Gulf Coast, and southern Florida this Memorial Day, the NWS' Weather Prediction Center (WPC) reported. In its short-range US heat forecast on Monday at 3:53 a.m. EDT (local time), the prediction center says that the extreme heat is expected to continue across the South US before a gradual relief by midweek.
The heat advisory, which has been issued for Texas and Louisiana, means temperature could exceed historical average records and become life-threatening. According to the WPC, temperatures in the Lone Star State are forecast to reach the upper 90s and even above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition, heat warnings and heat advisories have been issued for south-central Texas and the central Gulf Coast.
Also Read: US Weather Forecast: 35 Million People Under Excessive Heat Advisories, Warnings
Heat Illnesses
The US Government weather agency reminds the public to follow proper heat safety guidelines, as the scorching heat can impact one's health, especially the vulnerable population. In a separate weather message by the NWS' office in Houston/Galveston, Texas, on Monday at 6:57 a.m. CDT, the weather agency says hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses.
To cope with the intense heat, the WPC reminds the public to drink plenty of fluids, avoid prolonged exposure to the Sun, and stay in an air-conditioned room, as well as check up on relatives and neighbors. Furthermore, take action when symptoms such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke occur and limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening hours when temperatures are relatively colder.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), out of all the heat-related illnesses, heat stroke is the most serious one with symptoms that includes the following:
- Loss of consciousness
- Confusion
- Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating
- Seizures
- Very high body temperature
- Fatal if left untreated or delayed
Related Article: South US Weather Forecast: Severe Weather, Dangerous Heat and Critical Fire Weather Conditions to Impact Region [NWS]