A persistent and dangerous heat wave remains in the Pacific Northwest and Northern Rockies due to a high-pressure system aloft, placing most of the area under heat-related advisories and warnings. Interior locations will see temperatures in the low to mid-100s, with 90s near Puget Sound. Near-record highs and warm overnight lows offer little respite from the intense heat.
The high temperatures combined with their continuation throughout the week pose increasing health risks, particularly affecting those without sufficient air conditioning. Fortunately, some relief has arrived in the northern parts of the South, continuing through midweek as a cold front passes through. Highs on Tuesday across northern Georgia to north Texas will dip below seasonal averages, settling in the mid-80s to low 90s.
Oppressive heat persists along the coastal Carolinas and southwestward to Texas along the Gulf Coast. The mid-90s temperatures in these areas, combined with high humidity, produce scorching heat indices up to 110 to 120F. Numerous record-breaking highs are anticipated.
The cold front’s progression will provide brief respite from central Gulf Coast throughout the Carolinas on Wednesday. While temperatures remain hot, they will be closer to seasonal norms. However, parts of the western Gulf Coast and southern Texas remain unaffected by the cold front. That relief appears short-lived for Texas, as most regions anticipate a return of 100-degree temperatures by Thursday.