It’s been a somewhat unsettled day, no doubt, with relatively widespread shower and thunderstorm activity today across the area. Some spots have picked up the better part of an additional inch of rain, while some of us didn’t see anything – but most of us definitely saw that mostly cloudy, almost overcast sky looming over our Saturday (with those positively humid conditions, too!). The next 7 days look a bit more classic as far as July goes, with isolated rain, but the real story? That is going to be the heat wave we’re headed towards.
Tomorrow is in many ways similar to today with somewhat less widespread rain expected – we will still, however, hold onto rain chances with scattered development across the area expected in the afternoon as is so common with summer days like this. Our highs will be there in the lower 90s, but the heat index will be closing in on 100 (hence the HEAT ADVISORY in effect for Southern Tennessee through tomorrow). The heat index is so high due to the humidity and moisture flowing into the area, and fundamentally it’s this humid air that is the real story for the next week – as we enter a big time old-fashioned heat wave this workweek.
This heat wave is compounded by the fact we’re seeing above-average temperatures to boot (note the mid to upper 90s by midweek), so that combined with the high humidity is paving the way for heat index values in the triple-digits, easily – some of us even upwards of 107-109 if current trends are to be believed, and I do believe them. On the bright side the 2nd half of the week does look relatively drier in comparison to the first part and this Weekend, so it’ll just be good old fashioned heat we have to work with.
The humidity slows down sweat evaporation due to the higher moisture levels in the air, and this is why “dry” and “wet” heats are so different. Of course down here that leads us to have to factor that in and take particular caution to not overexert ourselves on hot days like we’ll be seeing. There’s no shame in taking regular breaks in intense heat, and it’s always wise to stay close to an A/C or shade and stay hydrated (that is good life advice in general, but especially from say June to September down here!).
Oh, and don’t forget… your backseat often has occupants too, especially during summer break. Don’t become the next news story – ALWAYS check back there!
Nevertheless the 7 day forecast is definitely a sharp reminder we’re right in the heart of summer and we’re not cooling down any time soon. Consistent lows in the 70s leads to humid nights, too, so the mosquitos will certainly be out in full force during weeks like these. Keep an umbrella on hand just in case the next couple days and after that, short sleeves and water!
