Southeast Michigan is under a 4Warn Weather Alert as summer begins with a blast of heat.
Dangerously hot conditions are likely to last for several days in Southeast Michigan. The heat is prompting a Heat Advisory (for heat indices up to 103 degrees) and an Extreme Heat Warning (for heat indices up to 105 degrees) through Tuesday evening.
HEAT ADVISORY:
Until 8AM Sunday for Oakland, Macomb, and Wayne counties
Until 8PM Tuesday for all other counties in Southeast Michigan
EXTREME HEAT WARNING:
8AM Sunday until 8PM Tuesday for Oakland, Macomb, and Wayne counties
How hot will it be?
Sunday through Tuesday, highs will be in the mid-90s. Expect lows will be in the lower- to mid-70s. Heat index values are expected to exceed 100 degrees and could reach 105 degrees.
Wednesday through at least Saturday, highs will be near 90 degrees. Lows will be in the lower-70s.
The chance of showers and thunderstorms will begin Tuesday and last through the week.
The combination of humidity, daytime heat, and nighttime warmth can lead to heat stress. Heat stress will be worsened by the length of this projected heat wave.
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.
How to stay safe
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.
What defines a heat wave?
In Southeast Michigan, a heat wave is defined as three or more consecutive days with temperatures of 90 degrees or greater, according to the National Weather Service’s Detroit/Pontiac Forecast Office. The criteria can be different in other parts of the country, especially regions which are prone to heat.
Using this criterion for Metro Detroit, the heat wave began Saturday and will last through at least Tuesday and possibly until late week.
If you capture photos of the weather or fun ways to stay cool, share them with the 4Warn Weather Team via MiPics for a chance to be featured on-air or online.