4Warn Weather – As an intense heat wave begins Monday in Southeast Michigan, Detroit will be hotter than traditionally warmer cities like Houston, New Orleans, and Miami all week.
The high temperatures and humidity will not be the only concerns, but the expected weeklong duration of the heat wave will worsen the situation.
Alerts
An Air Quality Advisory will be in effect for St. Clair, Livingston, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, Wayne, and Monroe counties through Monday. Elevated ozone levels may cause the air to be “unhealthy for sensitive groups,” such as babies and individuals who are pregnant or have respiratory conditions.
An Excessive Heat Watch will be in effect for all of Southeast Michigan from Monday afternoon through Friday evening due to “dangerously hot conditions.” Heat indices in the upper 90s to 100 degrees are possible through at least the end of the week as the humidity makes it feel hotter. Multiple days of abnormal heat and warm overnight temperatures will compound the effects of heat on the body.
In Southwestern Ontario, a heat warning has been issued due to expected highs near 35 degrees Celsius all week and heat indices from 40 to 45 degrees Celsius.
Due to the potential dangers posed by excessive heat and heat indices up to 100 degrees, 4Warn Weather Alerts have been declared for Monday and Tuesday.
Monday
Monday will be hot with a lot of sunshine. Besides partly cloudy skies, a few showers or thunderstorms will be possible in the afternoon and evening. Temperatures will surge into the mid 90s, which is around 15 degrees above normal. The record high for June 17 is 99 degrees (1994). When the humidity is taken into account, it will feel like 100 degrees. Winds will be out of the southwest at 7 to 13 mph with gusts up to 20 mph.
Monday night, under mostly cloudy skies, temperatures will offer little relief with lows in the lower to mid 70s.
Tuesday
It will be mostly cloudy and hot on Tuesday. A few showers and thunderstorms are again possible in the afternoon and evening. Highs will push into the lower to mid 90s. The heat index will be near 100 degrees. At night, it will be mostly cloudy with lows in the lower to mid 70s.
Juneteenth
The heat wave will continue on Juneteenth. Highs will return to the lower to mid 90s on Wednesday. Temperatures could approach Metro Airport’s record high of 95 degrees for the date. Overnight lows will only fall to the lower 70s under mostly cloudy skies.
Thursday
On the fourth day of the heat wave and the first day of astronomical summer, highs will reach the lower to mid 90s on Thursday. An isolated shower is possible, but most areas will stay dry. Otherwise, it will be partly cloudy. The summer solstice will occur at 4:50 p.m. At night, it will be partly cloudy with lows in the lower 70s.
Friday
On Friday, it will be partly cloudy with highs in the lower to mid 90s. There is the chance of an isolated shower. Under partly cloudy skies, lows will be around 70 degrees.
Next Weekend
The heat wave is likely to extend into next weekend with highs in the lower 90s on Saturday. It will be partly cloudy with the chance of a few showers. By Sunday, we could see an end to the 90-degree weather.
Are you prepared?
The combination of humidity, daytime heat, and nighttime warmth can lead to heat stress. The effects of the heat wave will be particularly pronounced in the urban core, which has more concrete and less natural landscape. Individuals without adequate air conditioning or other cooling methods may be more susceptible to heat stress.
Remember to stay hydrated, regularly check on children and senior citizens, take breaks from outdoor activities, seek shade, wear sunscreen, and wear lightweight and light-colored clothing.
Remember the pets. Make sure they have cool water, do not leave them unattended in vehicles, and be mindful of hot pavement.