From our news services
A weather pattern known as a “heat dome” is setting up over a large portion of the continental United States, and will bring dangerously hot conditions to the Outer Banks and northeastern North Carolina this week.
A Heat Advisory has been issued for nearly the entire area for Monday, excluding Hatteras and Ocracoke islands, as high temperatures are forecast to reach 94° with a heat index of 105°.
An Extreme Heat Watch in also in effect for all of eastern North Carolina for Tuesday and Wednesday, as highs both days are expected to top 95° and the heat index will exceed 110°.
This is the first summer where new terminology is being used by the National Weather Service for high heat watches and warnings.
“A heat dome occurs when a persistent region of high-pressure traps heat over a particular area, and it can linger for days to weeks,” according to NOAA. “Heat domes are typically linked to the behavior of the jet stream, which is a band of fast-moving winds high in the atmosphere that move in meandering wavelike patterns.
“When the jet stream meanders north, it moves slower and can sink, which lowers humidity. This allows the sun to create progressively hotter conditions on the ground,” NOAA said.
According to National Weather Service Newport office forecasters, well above normal temperatures each night will lead to less relief, even after sunset, adding to the impact of the heat this week.
“Make sure those that must be outside this upcoming week are aware of the signs of heat illnesses and to stay hydrated,” the NWS said.
Heat is the number one weather-related killed in the United States, according to NWS statistics. More information about staying safe in the heat can be found at https://www.weather.gov/safety/heat
Along with the high air temperatures, the sand and pavement will be dangerously hot and appropriate footwear will be required when walking on area beaches and roads.
Pets should not be brought out on the street or the beach during the day, as the hot surfaces will burn the pads of their feet.
The heat wave will likely last through the week with heat indices of greater than 105° likely on Thursday and Friday. And there are little to no rain chances through Friday.
Here is a link to the NWS Heat Safety webpage which has multiple tools and resources.
