4Warn Weather – Dangerous heat will remain the primary weather story across Southeast Michigan through the end of the workweek, with the National Weather Service continuing an Extreme Heat Warning through Thursday evening, while the 4Warn Weather Alert remains in effect through Friday, as dangerous conditions could linger even after the warning expires.
The hottest weather is expected Wednesday and Thursday, when afternoon heat index values or “feels-like temperatures” are forecast to range from 106 to 110 degrees across much of the region.
Warm nights, with lows only in the mid to upper 70s, will provide little opportunity for the body to recover from the heat.
It will still feel warmer than the actual air temperature.
Tuesday offered a preview of what is to come, with observed peak heat index values reaching 107 degrees in Monroe, 105 degrees in Grosse Ile, Lambertville, Lapeer and Mt. Clemens, 103 degrees in Ypsilanti, Romulus (Detroit Metro Airport), Troy, Adrian and Flint, 102 degrees in Detroit, and 100 degrees in Pontiac and Howell.
Although the National Weather Service’s Extreme Heat Warning is scheduled to expire Thursday evening, temperatures are expected to remain in the 90s on Friday.
After several consecutive days of extreme heat, the cumulative stress on the body increases the risk of heat-related illness, even if heat index values are slightly lower.
Forecast highs will approach 100 degrees Wednesday and Thursday, placing parts of Southeast Michigan within reach of daily record temperatures.
Residents are urged to limit strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the afternoon, wear lightweight, light-colored clothing, drink plenty of water before becoming thirsty, and take frequent breaks in air conditioning or in the shade.
Consider limiting alcohol and excessive caffeine consumption because both can contribute to dehydration.
Parents and caregivers are reminded to always check the back seat before exiting and locking their vehicle.
Interior vehicle temperatures can become life-threatening within minutes, even with windows cracked.
Pets should never be left inside parked vehicles.
The heat will also make sidewalks, asphalt, and playground equipment dangerously hot.
While air temperatures climb into the upper 90s, pavement temperatures can exceed 130 to 150 degrees in direct sunshine, hot enough to burn bare feet and pets’ paws.
Veterinarians recommend walking dogs in the early morning or late evening and testing the pavement with the back of your hand before heading out.
If the ground is too hot to keep the back of your hand on it for seven seconds, it is too hot for your dog’s paws.
Air quality
Air quality may also become a concern, especially for sensitive groups including children, older adults, and people with asthma or other respiratory conditions.
A plume of dust moving into the Great Lakes on Wednesday and Thursday may produce hazier skies while enhancing the potential for vivid sunrises and sunsets.
Rain and storm chances
Rain chances remain limited through midweek.
An isolated thunderstorm cannot be ruled out across portions of the Thumb on Wednesday.
By Thursday, a marginal risk exists for a few afternoon and evening thunderstorms to become strong or severe if enough instability develops.
Additional scattered thunderstorms become more likely Friday into the holiday weekend as a cold front approaches.
Temperatures should gradually trend lower over the weekend, although highs are still expected to remain warm, generally in the upper 80s to lower 90s, with periodic chances of thunderstorms.
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