Excessive Heat Watch Through Friday
SOUTHFIELD (WWJ) - An Excessive Heat Watch has been issued, in effect through Friday evening for the entire Southeast Michigan area. In addition, a Heat Advisory is in effect in Wayne, Lenawee, Monroe and Washtenaw counties through 8 a.m. Wednesday.
CBS 62 Chief Meteorologist Jim Madaus says it's going to be hot, hot, hot all week-long in Metro Detroit. "This is a heat wave and we and most of the rest of the country are in it," said Madaus.
Following an unusually hot June, Madaus said we can expect much of the same -- with temperature expected to be in the 90s through Saturday. He said humidity will be an issue -- with the heat index making it feel like 100 or 105 degrees, much like last week.
Madaus said Metro Detroiters can expect July 4th, Independence Day, to be a toasty one, and overnight temperatures are expected to fall only as low as the mid-70s all week, providing little relief.
The National Weather Service reminds Michigan residents that related illness such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion and dehydration will be all possible under these conditions. The cumulative effect of multiple consecutive hot days will add to the heat stress of those most affected by the hot temperatures -- including children and older adults. (Hot weather health tips are listed here).
Meantime, while many Metro Detroiters this week are looking at their yellowing grass and grumbling about their water bills, the National Weather Service has confirmed that the area is in the first stages of a drought.
Meteorologist Rich Pollman said we had just over an inch of rainfall in June, more than two inches fewer than normal. He says it hasn't been this dry in a while.
"We've had these kind of drought conditions in know ... in late July, August of 2001 was also another extended dry period," said Pollman, adding that the culprit is a high pressure system in the upper levels of the atmosphere.
Madaus said the more rain will come Tuesday, but it won't be a significant amount.
"But not everyone will see it. Nothing organized -- just these little popcorn storms popping up due to the heat," Madaus said.
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Madaus said there won't be enough rain to really make a difference, and those who insist on see the color green will be forced to take out the sprinklers.
In addition, the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments has issued another Ozone Action Day for Tuesday, meaning people should not fill up their gas tanks or mow the lawn.
Madaus did forecast some relief ahead. He said it's looking like a cold front will be moving through the state on Sunday, pulling temperatures down into the 80s on Monday, "And that will feel nice, compared to what we've had," he said.
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