Sunday, July 1, 2018

'Relentless' heat wave to grip northeastern US into July 4

By Kristina Pydynowski, AccuWeather senior meteorologist
July 01, 2018, 3:34:54 PM EDT



The unfolding heat wave across the northeastern United States may be especially taxing on residents since there has not been such a stretch of hot temperatures since 2016, and in some cases even longer.
Days of highs in the 90s F with dangerously higher AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures are expected to grip many communities in the Northeast through at least July Fourth.
The sweltering conditions will continue at night, especially in the major urban areas where temperatures may not fall below the middle or upper 70s.
"The vast expanse of concrete, pavement and brick will give off heat through the night," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Alex Sosnowski said.
The added strain of dealing with days of heat and humidity can lead to higher energy costs and an increasingly greater threat of residents suffering heat-related illnesses.
As the heat also encompassed southern Ontario and the St. Lawrence Valley, CBC News reported that more than 45 people were treated for heat-related issues at Canada Day events in Ottawa.
Monday RF

"It will not only be very hot, but it may also be perceived as relentless for many people in the Northeast as the heat lingers into July," AccuWeather Long-Range Meteorologist Paul Pastelok said.
"Last summer, the longest stretch of 90-degree days was mostly in the four- to five-day range for areas north of the Mason-Dixon Line," he said.
Monday records July 1

This heat wave can range from six to eight days in many communities. This includes Burlington, Vermont; New York City and Albany, New York; Hartford, Connecticut; Philadelphia; and Washington, D.C.
A heat wave across the northern tier of the U.S. is defined as three consecutive days of highs at or above 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
The longevity of the unfolding heat wave can rival the hot spells from 2016 in some communities. In other communities, such a prolonged heat wave has not occurred since the early years of this decade.

Philadelphia recorded a heat wave that spanned eight days in 2016, but New York City has not endured consecutive 90-degree highs for a week straight since 2013.
During the summer of 2017, Pittsburgh did not record even two back-to-back 90-degree days. Even if temperatures stop short of 90 on Monday, the city is still on track to endure an official heat wave the following three days.
Stats June 30

Heat is now coming back with a vengeance. The most intense days of the heat wave across the Northeast are expected to occur Sunday and Monday, when record highs will be challenged.
Philadelphia will join some other communities in recording highs near or at the century mark.
"Temperatures have not reached 100 F in Albany since 1953, but the city will flirt with that mark each afternoon into Monday," AccuWeather Meteorologist Tony Zartman said.
Sweltering humidity will create dangerous AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures in excess of 100 F throughout the Northeast.
Heat to be trimmed briefly from eastern New England
A push of cooler air from the northeast can trim the heat from the New England coast and eastern Long Island on Monday.
Temperatures are expected to be held to the middle 70s in Portland, Maine, and the middle 80s in Boston. However, the break from the 90-degree heat will not extend to Boston's western suburbs.
Boston officially experienced its first heat wave of the year on Sunday as temperatures soared to 90.
Any heat relief in eastern New England will not last long with temperatures expected to rebound Tuesday.
The region will join most of the Northeast in experiencing highs from the upper 80s to the lower 90s for July Fourth. Sea breezes will help to keep the beaches cooler.
Tips to follow to avoid heat exhaustion and stroke
"People of all ages, regardless of their health and physical activity, indoors and out, will need to stay hydrated," Sosnowski said. "Intake of alcoholic beverages should be limited, especially when there is no means to keep cool, such as in air conditioning."
Wear loose and light-colored clothing and avoid strenuous activities during the midday and afternoon hours -- the hottest times of the day. For those who jobs require physical outdoor labor, be sure to take frequent breaks.
As the heat extended its grip on the Midwest, three players of the Minnesota Twins baseball team had to leave the game at the Chicago Cubs' Wrigley Field due to heat-related illnesses on Saturday, according to the MLB.
Ensure that the elderly, children, homeless and pets are finding ways to stay cool. Remember never to leave a child or animal in a sealed vehicle without air conditioning even for short time. Vehicles can become dangerously hot in a matter of minutes.
"Cooling stations are warranted as heat will build to dangerous levels in the urban areas of the major cities," Sosnowski said. "Air stagnation and poor air quality are a concern with this heat wave."
There is a risk of brownouts due to higher energy demands. Help conserve electricity by turning off fans and air conditioners when leaving home.
4th outlook new July 1

Spotty afternoon thunderstorms may dot places west of the Appalachian Mountains on Monday before an uptick in widely separated thunderstorms occurs over other parts of the Northeast Tuesday into Independence Day.
Most of the thunderstorms on Tuesday and Wednesday should occur during the afternoon and diminish prior to July Fourth fireworks shows.
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UK: Dry weather hinders fire-fighting efforts near Manchester

By Adam Douty, AccuWeather senior meteorologist
July 01, 2018, 3:26:45 PM EDT



The recent spell of dry weather will continue across the United Kingdom, leading to difficult fire-fighting conditions as wildfires near Manchester.
Having been nearly two weeks since measurable rain has fallen in Manchester, dry and hot conditions are making it difficult to gain control of wildfires. BBC News reported that a major incident was declared over the weekend when two large fires merged close to major communication masts.
Since 21, June, there has been no measurable rain in Manchester. The temperatures has averaged 2.2 C (3.5 F) degrees above normal. The hottest day was Thursday when temperatures soared to 30 C (86 F). 
UK July 1

High pressure over Britain will remain in place through the beginning of the week providing several more dry and hot days. The highest threat for rain will be across South West England where the odd shower is possible.
On Monday, a moderate easterly breeze could cause wildfires to spread. Communities on the western side of fires could have unhealthy air quality due to smoke and ash.
As the high pressure overhead weakens during the second half of the week, isolated thunderstorms are expected to begin developing. The highest chance for thunderstorms will be during the afternoon hours each day.
While storms will bring needed rainfall to some areas, widespread relief from the dry weather it not expected. Lightning from thunderstorms will threaten to ignite new fires.
AccuWeather's long-range team expects hot and dry spell to be a regular occurrence through the rest of the summer.
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Severe Tropical Storm Prapiroon to unleash flooding, strong winds on southern Japan, Korean Peninsula

By Eric Leister, Severe Tropical Storm Prapiroon will bring potentially flooding rain and strong wind to southern Japan and South Korea during the beginning of the week.
Prapiroon is expected to strengthen and could reach typhoon status as it nears South Korea early in the week.
Prapiroon passed just to the south and west of Okinawa on Sunday evening, local time, bringing wind gusts to 96 km/h (60 mph). 
7/1 Prapiroon

After leaving the Ryukyu Islands, Prapiroon will set its sights on the Korean Peninsula and southern Japan.
“Prior to the arrival of Prapiroon, South Korea will endure locally heavy rainfall through Monday as a frontal boundary stalls over the region," said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Adam Douty.
These rounds of rain, in addition to impacts from Prapiroon, will set the stage for flooding and an elevated risk for mudslides.
While Prapiroon will not reach South Korea until Monday night, heavy rain has already begun to fall across the country.
Moisture from Prapiroon is bring pulled northward into the frontal boundary sitting across the Korean Peninsula, further enhancing the ongoing rainfall.
The worst impacts from the storm in South Korea and southern Japan will be felt on Monday night and Tuesday as the tropical cyclone tracks near the southern coast of mainland South Korea and just to the north of Kyushu.
While Prapiroon may reach typhoon strength on Monday, it is expected to begin weakening prior to reaching South Korea.
As a result, the southern coast of South Korea and western Kyushu will endure the strongest winds with six to 12 hours of tropical-storm-force winds expected from Monday night into Tuesday. This will result in power outages, tree damage and travel disruption.
Due to Prapiroon’s weakening, the risk for any widespread damaging winds elsewhere across the Korean Peninsula and southern Japan will be low.
“Conditions will improve across South Korea and southern Japan on Tuesday evening, but scattered downpours may continue to threaten flooding,” said Douty.
Despite Prapiroon leaving, additional rounds of rain and thunderstorms are expected during the second half of the week across Japan as another frontal boundary stalls across the region, continuing the threat for localized flooding. Heavy rain can soak communities in Kyushu, Shikoku and southern Honshu.AccuWeather senior meteorologist
July 01, 2018, 4:35:37 PM EDT




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July 4th fireworks: Where will the weather be best for the spectacular shows?

By Kristina Pydynowski, AccuWeather senior meteorologist
July 01, 2018, 4:12:55 PM EDT



A large part of the United States will escape nature’s fireworks ruining shows on Wednesday evening, but steamy air is expected to remain in firm control from the Plains to the East.
Most of the widely separated thunderstorms that dot the Great Lakes and Northeast during the day on July Fourth may dissipate before the evening displays. Warmth and humidity will remain, creating sticky conditions.
One fly in the ointment may be where calm winds prevent smoke from quickly clearing out, which can make fireworks later in the shows more difficult to view.
The higher the humidity, the duller the colors the fireworks can be.
Across the South, thunderstorms can be less numerous during the evening than the afternoon. However, some communities may have to contend with lingering showers and thunderstorms disrupting their shows.
Worse than ruining fireworks and other holiday festivities, thunderstorms that sweep across the northern Plains on Wednesday evening can turn severe.
Dry weather and good viewing conditions are expected across most of the West. However, residents should abide by fireworks bans and use extreme caution with sparklers to prevent a destructive wildfire from igniting and ruining the holiday.
New viewing conditions July 1

Below are more detailed weather conditions for major fireworks displays across the country.
New York City
“If people head out early to get a good spot for the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks on Wednesday afternoon, they should be prepared for hot and humid conditions with highs around 90,” AccuWeather Meteorologist Steve Travis said.
A stray shower or thunderstorm may be around, so be prepared to seek shelter.
“Any thunderstorm will die out by the time the fireworks begin,” Travis said. “It will be a warm and humid evening with temperatures still well in the 80s at the start of the fireworks.”
Boston
Similar to New York City, any isolated thunderstorm around the Boston area on Wednesday afternoon is expected to dissipate prior to the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular.
Sticky air will hold firm with temperatures not far from 80 when the show commences.
Fireworks July 1
Fireworks shoot from the Hatch Shell as confetti falls during the annual Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular on the Esplanade, Tuesday, July 4, 2017, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

Washington, D.C.
As the National Mall Fourth of July Celebration fireworks show begins right around nightfall, temperatures can still be in the middle to lower 80s with high humidity creating a muggy feel to the evening.
No thunderstorms are expected to delay or postpone the show.
Chicago
Similar to the cities in the Northeast, most thunderstorm activity around Chicagoland is expected to leave before fireworks light up the sky over Navy Pier on Wednesday evening. The fireworks will be in sync with a score of patriotic music.
Temperatures will be not far from the day’s average high of 84 during the show. The millions of viewers will want to keep water bottles handy to battle the stifling humidity.
Houston
“A storm with deep tropical moisture can wash out July Fourth festivities during the day in Houston with heavy rain and some thunder,” AccuWeather Meteorologist Maggie Samuhel said.
“If the storm leaves in time, places from the city eastward can be drier by sunset,” she said.
There can still be a shower or two around in this scenario. If winds are light enough, smoke may linger in the vicinity of the fireworks around the city and spoil the show.
“The fireworks can be a washout if the rain is only slightly slower to leave,” Samuhel added.
4th outlook new July 1

Minneapolis
Heat and humidity are expected to fuel potentially severe thunderstorms during the afternoon and overnight hours of the Fourth of July in Minneapolis, which can put cookouts, festivities and fireworks in jeopardy.
Anyone spending the holiday outdoors will want to enable audible alerts on cell phones to receive severe weather bulletins as they are issued. As soon as thunder is heard, be sure to seek shelter.
Residents and visitors may have to settle on nature’s fireworks if officials deem the weather too hazardous to let Wednesday’s evening show proceed as planned.
Seattle
Clouds may be streaming over Seattle on Wednesday evening but are not expected to produce rain and impact the SCCA Safari Summer 4th’s fireworks show.
The evening will be pleasant with temperatures in the lower 70s.
San Diego
Heat is expected to build across Southern California later in the week, but that will occur after San Diego’s Big Bay Boom show on Wednesday evening.
Temperatures will comfortably dip into the upper 60s for the fireworks display.
Only if low clouds and fog spread back onto the coast earlier than expected would smoke shroud the fireworks.
If you are celebrating Independence Day with your own fireworks show, be sure to follow all safety tips to avoid closing out the holiday in the hospital.
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India: Monsoon rain to continue in Mumbai, depart NCR this week

By Adam Douty, AccuWeather As monsoon rain diminishes in New Delhi this week, downpours continue elsewhere across India.
Mumbai and the rest of the western coast down to Kochi will remain the target of frequent monsoonal rain through the week. The rain can fall heavily at times, threatening to cause more flash flooding and travel disruptions.
Residents in the nearby higher terrain will also have to remain alert for localized landslides. Daily rainfall could surpass 50 mm (2 inches) in many locations. Some locations between Mumbai and Kochi could have 100 mm (4 inches) of rain on a given day.
7/1 india

On Sunday, rescue efforts following a fatal bus crash in Uttarakhand in northern India were reportedly hampered by poor weather conditions.
Daily downpours and the risk for flooding and mudslides are expected to focus on North East India into the upcoming week.
While heavy rain will not be as widespread compared to areas along the west coast, Central and North East India will be the target for locally heavy thunderstorms this week. Lightning and flash flooding will remain threats through the week.
Anyone outdoors will want to seek shelter as soon as thunder is heard to avoid being struck by lightning.
While some communities may have only light rainfall on a given day, nearby locations could be soaked with 75 mm (3 inches) of rain.
In northwestern India, the threat for potentially flooding downpours will lessen through the coming week as drier air returns to the region. Scattered thunderstorms will, however, continue through the start of the week in areas such as New Delhi and Ahmadabad.
As dry air returns to the NCR, temperatures will gradually rise through the end of the week. By Friday and into the weekend, highs will once again near 38 C (100 F). Humidity will remain high, causing AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures to soar to between 41-43 C (105-110 F) on a daily basis.
The danger of residents suffering heat-related illnesses across northwestern India can further rise during the second half of the coming week as a break in the monsoon showers and thunderstorms causes temperatures to increase.
"The monsoon rains should return during the second week of July and knock down the extreme heat," said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Jason Nicholls, "but another break period may follow late in the month."senior meteorologist
July 01, 2018, 10:16:40 AM EDT




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Storms to pummel midwestern US to end Sunday

By Faith Eherts, AccuWeather meteorologist
July 01, 2018, 5:51:16 PM EDT



Residents of the midwestern U.S., as well as portions of Ontario, will face the threat of severe thunderstorms into early Sunday evening.
The same stormy weather that brought fatal flooding to central Iowa on Saturday night will continue eastward through the end of the weekend, impacting much of Wisconsin, Michigan and Illinois as well as portions of Iowa, Missouri and Indiana.
"A line of thunderstorms will be moving through the Chicago area during the late afternoon into the evening," AccuWeather Meteorologist Brett Edwards said. 
New severe July 1 pm

"Due to the stormy forecast, The Overton’s 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Race has pushed up the beginning of the race to 2:32 p.m. ET," he said.
Sunday's race at Chicagoland Speedway was able to be finished before the line of showers and thunderstorms moved into the area.
Residents of these areas will need to prepare for potentially destructive weather, with the strongest storms expected to sweep across the region beginning on Sunday afternoon.
"The threat for some localized flash flooding is possible in the heavier storms, but the primary threat will be damaging wind gusts," Edwards said. A tornado or two may cause further damage.
Localized power outages are possible, as well as property damage to homes and businesses.
It will be important for motorists to slow down in areas of heavy rain as visibility is reduced and the threat of hydroplaning increases.
Strong winds can topple high profile vehicles as well as trees and powerlines.
If possible, motorists should pull over and take shelter in a sturdy building during periods of threatening weather.
In addition to slowed traffic on the roads, airline delays are likely to ensue as hail, gusty winds, lightning and heavy rain threaten major hubs in Chicago.
Once these storms clear the area late on Sunday night, the atmosphere will be prime for a sunny, less hot and less humid start to the week.
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Man missing at sea for nearly 2 weeks found alive in life raft off Washington coast

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