Atmospheric River in California; Fire Weather Concerns in the Central Plains

An atmospheric river will continue to bring gusty to high winds, moderate to heavy rainfall, and potential flooding to California through Saturday. Dry, gusty winds will bring elevated fire weather conditions to parts of the central and southern High Plains Friday. Red Flag Warnings have been issued. Read More >

Excessive Heat

Biggest takeaway:
Most people think heat isn’t a problem for them until it is. Stay proactive with your response based on your plan for heat threat. Heat waves are typically well communicated well ahead of the event.

Warning/Trigger for Plan:
NWS Excessive Heat Warning (greater threat; alerted on NOAA Weather Radio) –and-
NWS Heat Advisory (some threat; not alerted on NOAA Weather Radio)

Advance Notice/Time to Activate & Accomplish Your Planned Response:
Typically a day to as many as several days.

Frequency:
2-5 Heat Advisories is average, but this can vary widely from summer to summer.
0-2 Excessive Heat Warnings for exceptional, very dangerous heat.

How Accurate Warnings?
Heat is typically well forecast and warned for.

Our region is hot in the summer, but there are days (or strings of days) that are exceptionally hot where heat exhaustion and medical issues from exposure become much more common and deadly.
Have a plan for what you will do to mitigate the impacts from excessive heat outdoors, or in indoor locations that lack air conditioning.
Even in air conditioned locations, have a plan for excessive heat during a power outage without A/C.
Instill concept of “neighbors checking on neighbors”.
Anyone who overexerts themselves, as well as the elderly, the poor, and the very young are most at risk.
Exceptionally hot is different in August than it is in May. We acclimate to the heat over the summer. It takes less extreme temperatures outside of summer to have increased health risks.
Safety References: