Heat wave alert issued for 62 million people in 20 states

Authorities issued a heat alert due to sweltering temperatures this week.

The heat wave alert covers some 62 million people in the United States.

There has been a warning about the heat wave that will hit several states since Monday.

A dangerous heat wave will spread through the Plains and the Midwest this week due to a high pressure dome that remains parked over the central United States. Authorities have issued an alert for people to take precautions.

Some 62 million residents, from South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan to as far south as Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, have been placed under a Heat Advisory or Excessive Heat Warning by experts at the National Weather Service. The alert will be active at least until Thursday, July 7, reported Fox Weather on Tuesday.

Heat alert issued for more than 60 million residents

High temperatures of between 90 and 100 degrees are forecast for the next few days in parts of the central and southern plains, the Mississippi Valley, the south and the southern Appalachians of the United States, according to the New York Post.

Excessive heat could favor the development of thunderstorms on Tuesday and some could be severe. That threat of severe storms exists over a wide area from parts of the northern and central Plains and High Plains to the Midwest, the Ohio Valley and the mid-Atlantic, Fox Weather reported.

Heat index could reach 110 degrees

Combine those high temperatures with high humidity and the heat index will hit 105 to 110 degrees during the hottest part of the day, which is mid- to late afternoon. As those temperatures soar, there could be a few record highs tied or broken each day. Since we’re now in the hottest month, the records are harder to break as they tend to be some of highest, Fox Weather also stated.

And for people hoping to find some relief at night, there’s bad news. Morning lows will continue to be in the mid-70s to near 80s in many areas, so prepare for uncomfortable sleeping weather for the next few nights.

What is the best time of day to go out during sweltering temperatures?

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Even low temperatures could be warm enough to challenge heat records in parts of Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas, the mid-South and southern Appalachia. The latest 6-10 day outlook from the Climate Prediction Center from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) shows that the greatest chance of above-average temperatures will remain over the central and southern states through next week, Fox Weather explained.

Before the risky multi-state heat wave, Fox Weather reported that the best time to go outside during these days is early morning or late afternoon, when temperatures tend to be cooler. If you have to go outside, experts advise wearing loose, light-colored clothing and drinking plenty of fluids.